Each year, both humans and wildlife are harmed by preventable incidents… simply because people don’t know how to share space safely.
The key to preventing injuries and tragedy isn’t avoiding wildlife, it’s learning to coexist respectfully.
Understanding Wildlife Behavior
Most wild animals want to avoid humans as much as we want to avoid dangerous encounters.
Problems arise when animals feel cornered, surprised, or are protecting young. Learning basic animal behavior prevents 90% of negative interactions.
• Distance Equals Safety: Use the “thumb rule” …if you can’t cover the entire animal with your thumb at arm’s length, you’re too close. This gives animals space to retreat and prevents defensive behaviors.
• Noise Awareness: Make noise while hiking in dense vegetation or around blind corners. Most animals will move away when they hear you coming, preventing surprise encounters.
• Food Security: Improperly stored food creates dangerous situations. Use bear canisters, hang food properly, or store in vehicles. Fed animals become dependent and often aggressive.
Species-Specific Safety
• Bears: If you see one, don’t run. Make yourself large, back away slowly, and speak in calm, low tones. Carry bear spray in bear country and know how to use it.
• Mountain Lions: Keep eye contact, be large, and back away slowly. Never run or turn your back. Fight back if attacked, mountain lions rely on stealth and will often retreat when confronted.
• Snakes: Most bites occur when people try to move or kill snakes. Give them space and they’ll leave on their own. Wear boots and use a flashlight at night.
• Insects: Prevent tick-borne diseases by wearing long pants, using repellent, and checking for ticks after outdoor activities.
Emergency Response
• Wildlife Injuries: Don’t try to help injured wildlife yourself without instruction to do so. Contact local wildlife rehabilitation centers (check Google) or park rangers who have proper training and equipment.
• Human Injuries: Carry a first aid kit and know basic wilderness first aid. When cell coverage is limited, inform others of your plans and expected return time.
• Vehicle Encounters: Slow down during dawn and dusk when animals are most active. If you hit an animal, don’t approach it: contact local authorities (911) for guidance.
The Wildlife Connection
Every safe wildlife meeting you have models respectful coexistence for others.
Your careful behavior helps guarantee that wild animals stay wild… and that future generations can enjoy these incredible creatures in their natural habitats.
This Week’s Challenge
Create a wildlife safety kit with appropriate gear for your region (ie. bug spray, snake bite kit, water purification tabs, whistle) and practice using it before you need it. Keep a safe distance. Never feed or approach wild animals. If an animal approaches you, it is your responsibility to move away to keep a safe distance. Share this wildlife safety information with your friends and family!
Remember: Slowing down in wildlife areas saves lives. This simple action protects both human and animal families.
“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.” – Edward Abbey, environmental advocate and author
