The current geographical location I currently inhabit has, as of now, been thoroughly thrust into the throws of spring. With this change of weather and scenery comes the inevitable venturing of fellow humans into the world to take part in warm weather outdoor activities. These activities are not only enjoyable, but they often bring people into the few remaining wild places across the globe, and allows them to experience untamed nature in a way that our ancestors did as they discovered these hidden gems and natural wonders. By entering these places, humans are venturing into the territory of the wildlife that calls those places home, and it is inevitable that human-wildlife interactions will occur, sometimes with deadly consequences. These consequences are solely the result of unfortunate human-wildlife interactions that, in most cases, could have been entirely avoidable had common sense and caution been practiced by the human in the scenario. Of course, it is perfectly possible for humans and wildlife to coexist in the pockets of wilderness if the proper precautions are in place.
As the sun warms the earth, foliage once again returns to a lush green, and children are let out of school for the spring and summer holidays. People flock back to their vacation ranges in the great outdoors, and as more people migrate into the great outdoors, there is a rise in news reports about the clash between man and animal life. A common theme in these reports is general shock that wild animals will behave as untamed wild beasts if provoked or pushed too far by a human being, ignorant of the danger in which they place themself. In the comment sections of popular news sites, a reader can find a general call for better management of potential “man eaters” by outraged people that are unable to conceive of a scenario in which injury or death resulting from human-wildlife interaction as being the sole fault of the human, and the rebuttal from the few that insist it is the responsibility of every person that enters into the range of a wild animal to ensure their own safety by respecting the animals they may happen upon during their adventure.
When embarking on outdoor adventures, it is important to keep the potential peril of the wild in the back of your mind and utilize resources to educate yourself on simple precautions in order to ensure a safe and pleasant journey. The first precaution to take is understanding the time of year and behaviors of the wildlife native to the area you intend to explore to avoid any surprises that could result in injury or death. Spring and summer are baby season for most wildlife as this is the time of year that resources are most plentiful and the weather is the most mild. These conditions make it optimal for young to grow and develop enough to survive the winter when resources are scare and the weather is harsh. Of course, it is the warm weather and blooming foliage associated with mating season that entices people out of their homes and into the wild to experience the natural spectacle springing to life. Popular activities such as camping and hiking are often what lead to the intersection of the human and animal worlds, and at this intersection is where material for sensational news stories manifest.
Why would hiking and camping lead to this clash instead of the animals being frightened away from the sections of their range populated by vacationing humans? Studies have been conducted within the boundaries of national parks (and other outdoor recreation areas) over the years to explore the complex reasons that lead to wildlife cozying up to the human world instead of seeking refuge in the safety of remote hideaways inaccessible to clumsy vacationers.
In April of 2014, a four year study conducted in Grand Teton National Park found evidence that prey animals, like elk and antelope, have developed a tendency to graze near busy roadways where human density is high, but predators, that are weary of humans, are scarce, supporting the hypothesis that close proximity to humans is a form of predator avoidance (4). While this may be a sigh of relief for some, do not let the wide eyes and gentle, ungulate faces fool you. Elk and antelope are often seen as gentle and non-threatening, but they are still wild animal and can behave unpredictably. People tend to drop their guards around prey species and encroach too closely on their territory and space. As a result of this, deer attacks are much more common than bear attacks (1).
Predator species, however, are not entirely absent around recreation sites utilized by humans, but the majority of these animals are nocturnal and active when humans are largely lost in slumber. One study published by The Wildlife Society Bulletin concerned with the distribution of grizzly bears in a popular hiking area in Montana determined that the bears utilized the trails through the areas of higher elevation where fewer hikers venture, and continued to avoid sites densely populated by humans (3). The hiking trails through the mountains mimic routes carved out by natural forces like winter and early spring avalanches that present an easy way to traverse their territory while wasting the least energy possible. A similar study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology determined that other predator species utilize human made hiking trails, even with the presence of hunting and fairly dense human use in a number of recreation areas (2). Both studies note that hiking trails make habitat easier to traverse for these animals in the same way they make it possible for humans to venture forth and discover remote areas of hidden beauty.
In any national park or recreation area, numerous signs are posted about the dangers of bears and other predator species.These signs are designed and intended to inform visitors of these predators, but often leave out the risks of approaching the seemingly docile herbivores in the area. Any national or state recreation site where wildlife is present has a page on their website devoted to the animal life that inhabits the area and any warnings that a person should heed when visiting the location. For example, Yellowstone has videos posted about viewing wildlife safely and outlines the risks posed by approaching prey species like elk and smaller deer.
The best advice to stay safe while experiencing the great outdoors is to keep a respectful distance between yourself and any wildlife you may encounter. On the Yellowstone website, a minimum radius of 100 yards for bears and wolves, and 25 yards for all other animals is recommended, but a greater distance is always better for the comfort of the animal. Keep in mind that even if you are keeping to the minimum radius, every animal is different and other factors, like the presence of young, can affect the behavior of an animal. It is very important to watch for warning signs and back off when presented with those signals. The use of tools like binoculars and the zoom function on cameras are an easy way to view wildlife while keeping both yourself and the wildlife safe and happy. It cannot be stressed enough that more distance is always better for you and the animal.
When hiking, keeping a safe distance between yourself and wildlife can be complicated, as it is easy to happen upon an animal around a bend in the trail A way to avoid ending up face-to-face with a bear or other predator, is to make noise periodically as you hike to alert the animals of your presence. Simply speaking a bit louder than normal is sufficient to alert wildlife of your presence. Try not to be shocking with your noise to avoid sending the animal in a panic. In general, wildlife will always tend to avoid confrontation with a human given the opportunity and sufficient warning.
As we move more solidly into the season for outdoor exploration, keep in mind that you are not only venturing into the wilderness, but into an ecosystem home to many animals that may be startled by your presence. Keep a safe distance from wildlife, and remember that the same trails that make it possible to venture into remote woodlands and other natural wonders, turn into highways for wildlife. If and when you find some exciting wildlife in your travels, always remember; space is important and your binoculars and a good camera can allow you to return from your adventures with some amazing memories that you can cherish.
References
1) Ingraham, Christopher. “Chart: The Animals That Are Most Likely to Kill You This
Summer.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 16 June 2015.
2) Kays, Ronald, et al. “Does Hunting or Hiking Affect Wildlife Communities in Protected
Areas?” British Ecological Society, 2017.
3) Mace, Richard D., and John S. Waller. “Grizzly Bear Distribution and Human Conflicts
in Jewel Basin Hiking Area, Swan Mountains, Montana.” Wildlife Society Bulletin
(1973-2006), vol. 24, no. 3, 1996, pp. 461–467. JSTOR.
4) Shannon, Graeme, et al. “Behavioral Responses Associated with a Human-Mediated
Predator Shelter.” PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, 9 Apr. 2014.
Links
Yellowstone: “Adventure Safely”
