In Washington state, home to diverse ecosystems ranging from temperate rainforests to alpine meadows, the possibilities for wildlife encounters are endless. From the rugged peaks of the Cascade Range to the serene shores of the Olympic Peninsula, you are likely to encounter a variety of creatures great and small along the way. Whether it's a majestic elk, a curious bear, or a playful squirrel, encountering wildlife on the trail is a thrilling experience. It's essential to approach these encounters with caution, respect, and a healthy dose of awe.
Here are some tips for staying safe and respectful when sharing the trail with Washington's wild inhabitants.
Know Before You Go
Before you hit the trail, take some time to research the wildlife species that call your chosen hiking area home. Familiarize yourself with their habits, behaviors, and preferred habitats. Learn how to recognize their tracks, signs, and vocalizations (if possible). For example, if you're hiking in the North Cascades, you might encounter black bears, mountain goats, and marmots, while a trek through the Hoh Rainforest could bring you face to face with Roosevelt elk and black-tailed deer and marmots and mountain goats in the Mount Rainier National Park. The more you know about the wildlife you may encounter, the better prepared you'll be to respond appropriately.
Keep Your Distance
When it comes to wildlife encounters, the golden rule is to keep your distance. While it may be tempting to approach for a closer look or a photo op, remember to respect their space. Use binoculars or a telephoto lens to get a closer look without intruding on their space. Approaching too closely can stress them out and potentially provoke a defensive response. As a general rule of thumb, maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from large predators like bears and cougars, and at least 50 yards from other wildlife. If you come across a nest or den, give it a wide berth and avoid disturbing the inhabitants. If an animal shows signs of stress or agitation, such as vocalizations or defensive postures, back away slowly and give them plenty of room to retreat.
Be Bear Aware
In the wilds of Washington, encountering a black bear is a real possibility, especially in forested areas like the Cascade Range and Olympic National Park. While black bears are generally shy and non-aggressive, it's crucial to know how to respond if you do come face-to-face with one. Make plenty of noise (or outsource this work to bear bells) while hiking to alert bears to your presence. Carry bear spray and know how to use it in the event of a close encounter (very important), and always store your food, garbage and scented items in bear-proof containers or bear hangs when camping overnight. If you do encounter a bear, remain calm, back away slowly, and never run—this can trigger a chase response in the bear.
Have to share my favorite bear joke...A park ranger at Tetons National Park, was explaining to visitors how to avoid bear encounters by carrying jingle bells and pepper spray. How to tell what kind of bears inhabit the area by examining their scat. “If you notice scats with half-digested berries and maybe small bones, you are in black bear territory. You are in the grizzly neighborhood if scat has bells and pepper spray canisters.
Respect Wildlife Habitat
Remember that you are a visitor in their home (without invitation!), so tread lightly and respect their habitat. Stay on designated trails to minimize disturbance to nesting sites, dens, and other sensitive areas. Keep noise levels to a minimum, especially in areas known to be frequented by wildlife. Give them plenty of space to roam freely and observe from a distance with binoculars or a zoom lens for your camera. Avoid feeding wildlife, as it can disrupt natural foraging behaviors and create dependency on human food sources. And never approach or attempt to touch wild animals, no matter how cute or friendly they may seem. Remember, you're an ambassador of humanity, and after all we are the most intelligent species on this planet!
Keep Your Dog Under Control
If you're hiking with a furry companion, keep them on a leash at all times to prevent them from chasing or harassing wildlife. Even well-behaved dogs can pose a threat to wildlife, so it's essential to keep them under control and respect the natural environment. Some animals, such as coyotes or mountain lions, may perceive dogs as prey and react defensively. REMEMBER: It is a cardinal sin to leave poop-bags in the wilderness. Be sure to pack out your doggo's waste and dispose of it properly to minimize environmental impact and prevent the spread of disease.
Educate Others
As a responsible hiker (and a sensible human), it's essential to share your knowledge and passion for wildlife conservation with others. Be a positive role model for fellow hikers by following Leave No Trace principles and practicing responsible wildlife viewing habits. If you see someone behaving inappropriately around wildlife, gently remind them of the importance of respecting nature and the creatures that inhabit it.
Report Wildlife Sightings
Finally, if you encounter wildlife on the trail, consider reporting your sighting to local wildlife authorities or conservation organizations. Your observations can help scientists track population trends, monitor habitat health, and implement conservation measures to protect vulnerable species.
Know When to Back Off
Despite our best efforts to respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance, there may be times when an encounter becomes too close for comfort. If you find yourself in a potentially dangerous situation, remain calm and slowly back away without turning your back on the animal. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that may startle or provoke the animal, and never attempt to run or climb a tree to escape. Read this article about to handle wildlife encounters.
Encountering wildlife on the trail is one of the many joys of hiking in Washington state's breathtaking landscapes. By approaching these encounters with respect, awareness, and a deep appreciation for the creatures that call this land home, we can ensure both our safety and the preservation of wildlife habitats for generations to come. Lace up your boots, grab your binoculars, and enjoy your journey of discovery into the heart of Washington's wilderness.
Happy trails!
One more: What do you call a bear with no teeth on a hike? A gummy bear.