Wild Animal Encounters

Watching the deer working their way down the hillside next to my home in the early morning made my attention turn to animals and their plight. The stories we hear about encounters only happen when they go wrong.

In truth, there are not that many of them and there are always factors we need to consider that somehow we miss. This would ensure the result is more harmonious for them and us.

Take how we think about our walks in the woods. Many of us go there to walk our dogs but we think we can let them go and all will be well. It is a fact that dogs can sense other animals and so will go there either out of curiosity or to protect you.

So it is necessary to rethink the idea of giving them total freedom. Keep them on a leash so you have control and use your ears to listen as they do for anything that might be taken as a clue something else is keeping you company.

Wild fires, global warming and much more are things we share as living beings on this planet. Animals have a fearful reaction to these when it interferes with their own territory and way of living. So interactions could happen suddenly and more often.

Building homes in the wilderness is fine but when several people decide to do this, we infringe on their territory and so encounters are inevitable. Even our habit of camping in the woods can lead to issues. So we need to use our heads about our habits.

Research the area you want to camp or hike in. Keep food in bear-proof coolers which in turn are encased in a vehicle at night. Use safety gear like bear spray and whistles or cow bells, something loud if you are hiking.

If you see bear scat or droppings from other animals be extra vigilant. Be loud when moving about and when in your tent, be prepared to move quickly if needed so dress accordingly, not just for comfort.

I think we can live along side of animals if we use some common sense. But steer clear and give them their due. The woods belong to them. For you it is a novelty, but for them it is home.