{"id":7077,"date":"2020-10-25T21:43:12","date_gmt":"2020-10-25T21:43:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thethousandmiler.com\/?p=7077"},"modified":"2020-10-25T21:55:33","modified_gmt":"2020-10-25T21:55:33","slug":"how-to-handle-animal-encounters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thethousandmiler.com\/how-to-handle-animal-encounters\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Handle Animal Encounters"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;3.22&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=&#8221;on&#8221; make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; module_class=&#8221; et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; width=&#8221;89%&#8221; width_tablet=&#8221;80%&#8221; width_phone=&#8221;&#8221; width_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; max_width=&#8221;89%&#8221; max_width_tablet=&#8221;80%&#8221; max_width_phone=&#8221;&#8221; max_width_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221; make_fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; custom_width_px=&#8221;500px&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.47&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Content&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.6.5&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; z_index_tablet=&#8221;500&#8243; box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=&#8221;0px&#8221; box_shadow_vertical_tablet=&#8221;0px&#8221; box_shadow_blur_tablet=&#8221;40px&#8221; box_shadow_spread_tablet=&#8221;0px&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1381 alignleft size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/thethousandmiler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/blogger-image-395923253-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Hiking animal encounter with a red and black snake laying in grass.\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" \/><br \/>Out on the trail, I regularly run into two kinds of hikers: those who are hoping to have some animal encounters, and those who decidedly are not. I fall somewhere in between. I enjoy seeing wildlife on the trail, even potentially dangerous animals. However, I prefer these encounters to be from a safe distance, and I prefer not to be taken by surprise. Of course, that&#8217;s not always possible. Which is why you need to know how to behave around wildlife.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Animal attacks on hikers are rare, although they get a lot of attention when they happen. You&#8217;re more likely to die in a car crash than from an attack by a wild animal. Nevertheless, you should do some research before you head out on a trail so you know what animals you may encounter. And keep in mind that even generally innocuous critters like deer, grouse and chipmunks can behave aggressively, depending on the circumstances.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">When I was trekking along the <a href=\"https:\/\/thethousandmiler.com\/day-9-split-rock-river-state-park-to-silver-bay\/\">Superior Hiking Trail<\/a> one June, a mama grouse charged at me repeatedly because her babies were nearby. That same trip, a groundhog \u2013 perhaps rabid \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/thethousandmiler.com\/day-13-fredenberg-creek-camp-to-oberg-mountain\/\">would not let me pass<\/a>, hissing and gnashing its long, brown teeth at me. During a hike in <a href=\"https:\/\/thethousandmiler.com\/exploring-big-bend-national-park\/\">Big Bend National Park<\/a>, a galloping stag nearly ran into me when I rounded a curve on the edge of a cliff. For the next minute or so, it kept racing away from me, then back toward me, as it tried to figure out how to get past me without falling off the cliff. It eventually managed to scramble past along the sloping rock on the opposite side of the cliff edge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Remember, those are mild-mannered animals. Our hiking trails pass through land that&#8217;s home to more dangerous creatures like the alligators and black panthers found along the <a href=\"https:\/\/thethousandmiler.com\/day-3-oak-hill-camp-to-billie-swamp-safari\/\">Florida Trail<\/a>, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/thethousandmiler.com\/arizona-trail-day-16-heading-for-the-tonto-national-forest\/\">rattlesnakes<\/a> and Gila monsters of the <a href=\"https:\/\/thethousandmiler.com\/arizona-trail-day-17-superior-or-bust\/\">Arizona Trail<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">To help you safely navigate the woods, plains, prairies and swamps, here&#8217;s an introductory guide to safe wildlife meet-ups.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>General Rules for Animal Encounters<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1413 alignright size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/thethousandmiler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/blogger-image-948617834-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Bear paw prints on a sandy trail near Florida's Clearwater Recreation Area.\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" \/><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Before we look at specific critters, here are some basic precautions regarding animal encounters.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><i>Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links (among regular links) to products I own and like, or which I think you might like. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Don&#8217;t get too close.<\/strong> Animals don&#8217;t like it when you invade their territory.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Don&#8217;t feed them.<\/strong> Human food isn&#8217;t part of a wild bird or animal&#8217;s regular diet, and may be harmful. Plus, if everyone regularly feeds animals in a given locale, they become used to it and may start ransacking backpacks and tents in search of &#8220;people food.&#8221;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Never touch an animal.<\/strong> Yes, some people actually try to do this! Touching a wild animal may result in a bite, sting, scratch or worse. And petting a baby may bring on the wrath of its protective mama, who is likely nearby.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Never attempt to interact with an animal.<\/strong> Don&#8217;t try to scare, provoke or coax an animal toward you. Wildlife can be quietly observed and photographed, but always should be left alone.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Avoid hiking at dawn or dusk.<\/strong> Many animals are most active at these times, so stay off the trail if you can.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Properly store anything with a scent. <\/strong>At camp, safely stash food, trash, cookware, toiletries, etc. in your car or a <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3kxdW2z\">bear vault<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/31JaWsF\">sack<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/34tcB7f\">bag<\/a>. If you don&#8217;t, you may attract unwanted visitors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Don&#8217;t wear headphones.<\/strong> It&#8217;s important to be aware of the sounds around you, which can indicate anything from a looming storm to a chuffing bear. If you must listen to music or a podcast while you hike, leave one ear uncovered.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Make noise.<\/strong> Animals don&#8217;t like being surprised. If you&#8217;re hiking with others, you&#8217;re probably making enough noise for wildlife to hear you. But if you&#8217;re solo, occasionally create sound by yelling, singing or blasting tunes. Many people believe wearing <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3jpQR0x\">bear bells<\/a> is helpful, but <a href=\"https:\/\/adventure.howstuffworks.com\/outdoor-activities\/hiking\/bear-protection-gear3.htm\">studies are inconclusive<\/a> as to their effectiveness. Most experts believe your voice is the best noisemaker.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Encountering Black Bears vs. Grizzlies<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Hikers in the U.S. may encounter one of two types of bears: black bears and grizzly bears. Both black bears and grizzlies range in color from blonde to black. But black bears are smaller than grizzlies and have a straight back and facial profile. Grizzlies are larger and sport a shoulder hump, concave facial profile and small, round ears.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Like most wild animal encounters, both grizzlies and black bears will generally leave you alone if they become aware of your presence. But never get anywhere near their cubs, as the mother is almost always nearby and will be quite protective. Yellowstone National Park recommends staying <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/yell\/planyourvisit\/safety.htm\">at least 100 yards (91 m)<\/a> away from bears if you spot them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Grizzlies and black bears interact differently with humans, so it&#8217;s important to know which one you&#8217;ve just met. A general rule of thumb regarding how to handle an actual attack is enshrined in this saying: <em>If it&#8217;s black, fight back. If it&#8217;s brown, lay down. <\/em>Here&#8217;s what you need to know.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7079 alignleft size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/thethousandmiler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/98160CCE-5F23-4D73-8BB4-AA3497CBC453_1_201_a-225x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Groundhog standing on its hind legs on a hiking trail.\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" \/>\u200b<br \/>How to Handle Black Bear Encounters<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Black bears can be found in at least <a href=\"https:\/\/bear.org\/black-bear-range\/\">40 of the 50 states<\/a> and most of Canada. While you&#8217;d expect to find them in places like the Upper Midwest, New England and the Pacific Northwest, they also live in southern states. I encountered many on the <a href=\"https:\/\/thethousandmiler.com\/day-27-15-long-suffering-road-to-st-marks-visitor-center\/\">Florida Trail<\/a>, for example. If you spot a black bear \u2026<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Back away slowly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Get your <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/31Fw7fd\">bear spray<\/a> ready.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Pick up any food you have out and carry it with you.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">If the bear moves toward you, draw yourself up large by raising your arms and trekking poles. Make a lot of noise and throw objects at the bear to scare it off.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Toss the food at the bear if that seems to be its interest.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">If the bear attacks, use your bear spray, aiming at the face\/eyes, and fight with rocks, sticks, your trekking poles, etc. If it still comes after you, aim punches at its eyes and nose.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How to Handle Grizzly Bear Encounters<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Grizzlies <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fws.gov\/mountain-prairie\/es\/grizzlybear.php\">roam around<\/a> Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Washington and Wyoming. Mamas account for <a href=\"https:\/\/bear.org\/pepper-spray-questions\/\">80 percent<\/a> of grizzly attacks. If you spot a grizzly \u2026<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Back away slowly. Do not make eye contact.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Get your <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/31Fw7fd\">bear spray<\/a> ready.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">The bear may try a bluff charge, which involves bounding around while making a huffing sound. Its ears will be up. Talk to the bear in a soothing, friendly tone. Do NOT turn and run, or it will see you as prey. If the bear retreats after a bluff charge, continue backing up.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">If the grizzly is about to attack, its ears will flatten against its head, which will be lowered. Now is the time to use your bear spray, which <a href=\"https:\/\/bear.org\/pepper-spray-questions\/\">research shows<\/a> is extremely effective. Know your spray&#8217;s range; products may have a 5- to 35-foot (1.5 &#8211; 10.7 m) spray range. You don&#8217;t want to spray too early.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">If you don&#8217;t have bear spray or it doesn&#8217;t deter the animal, play dead. Lay on your stomach, covering the back of your neck with your hands and protecting your face with your elbows. Place your backpack between you and the bear, if possible. If the bear rolls you over, try to get back onto your stomach.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Don&#8217;t get up too early if the bear leaves. It may still be around and attack again. So play dead longer than you think is necessary.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How to Handle Snake Encounters<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Snakes encounters can be tricky, since there are so many different kinds of snake and not all of them are venomous. And while rattlesnakes are easy to identify due to their signature rattle, others are not \u2013 especially if you don&#8217;t hail from snake territory, like me. But whether or not you stumble upon a venomous or nonvenomous snake, here&#8217;s what you should do.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Back away slowly and quietly. Give the snake plenty of space and stay calm.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">If the snake doesn&#8217;t slither away, hike around it, giving it a wide berth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">If you&#8217;re bitten: <\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Stay calm. Lots of activity may cause the venom to move through your body more quickly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Clean the wound with soap.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Get off the trail and to a medical facility as quickly as you can.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How to Handle Deer or Elk Encounters<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">When it comes to animal encounters, deer and elk aren&#8217;t too threatening. But as I noted in my example above, they can be, depending on the circumstance. If you spot a deer or elk \u2026<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Give it space and back away, if necessary.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">If a deer charges, run away or climb a tree or other tall object. For an elk, duck behind a tree, boulder or other large object.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">If you can&#8217;t run away from a deer, play dead.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">If you can&#8217;t escape the elk and it knocks you down, get back up and keep running.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How to Handle Moose Encounters<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7080 alignright size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/thethousandmiler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/02F09C49-080F-4B89-B150-2D3CF0407B7D_1_201_a-225x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Moose standing in some brush.\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" \/><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Moose can be dangerous because they&#8217;re not as afraid of humans as deer are. They&#8217;re also quite a bit larger. Their most dangerous feature is their hooves, not their antlers. If you run into a moose \u2026<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Give it space, especially if it has a baby nearby.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Consider changing directions, especially if it appears nervous by your presence.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Speak to it quietly and softly as you move away slowly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">A moose preparing to attack typically exhibits certain signs, such as laying back its ears, raising its hair, tossing its head, urinating, smacking its lips, clicking its teeth and\/or lowering its head.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">If a moose charges, run and hide behind a large tree or boulder. A charge is often a bluff.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">If it knocks you down, curl up in a ball with your hands wrapped around your head to protect your noggin and vital organs, as the moose may kick or stomp on you.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Don&#8217;t get up until the moose moves far away.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How to Handle Cougar Encounters<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Cougars, also called mountain lions, panthers and pumas, are pretty scary. But the good news is they&#8217;re secretive animals that aren&#8217;t often seen in the wild. And if they spot you first, they&#8217;ll generally disappear. Still, when you&#8217;re in cougar country \u2013 generally the American and Canadian West and Florida \u2013 avoid hiking after dark, when they&#8217;re most active. And if you do run into a cougar \u2026<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Stop immediately. Running can make you appear as prey and trigger its instinct to chase and attack.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Face the cougar and draw yourself up large. You want to appear as a threatening predator, not prey. Raise your arms and trekking poles, or even swing a jacket or other object above your head.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Slowly back away, making loud noises or speaking firmly. Do not crouch down or run.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">If the cougar moves toward you or appears aggressive, shout and throw things at it. You want to appear dangerous.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">If the cougar attacks, fight back as aggressively as you can, using anything and everything you have: sticks, rocks, your water bottles or backpack, etc. <\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">If you have <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/31Fw7fd\">bear spray<\/a>, use that first, aiming at the cat&#8217;s face.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">While all of this may sound ominous, remember that attacks by wild animals are rare. You&#8217;re far more likely to be in an auto accident or suffer some other dire fate than being attacked on the trail. Still, being prepared is the best offense.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Out on the trail, I regularly run into two kinds of hikers: those who are hoping to have some animal encounters, and those who decidedly are not. I fall somewhere in between. I enjoy seeing wildlife on the trail, even potentially dangerous animals. However, I prefer these encounters to be from a safe distance, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1380,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[75,55],"tags":[4549,4545,4546,4548,4547,4544,4542,4543],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Handle Animal Encounters - The Thousand Miler<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"When you&#039;re hiking, you may have occasional animal encounters. 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