Hoopengarner on Outdoors
509-582-1544
Leave 'em alone, keep 'em wild
Memorial Day - the first major holiday weekend of the year - is upon us.
From the Blue Mountains of Southeastern Washington to the Pacific Ocean, thousands of people will be boating, camping, fishing, hiking or picnicking as the nation honors those who died defending our country.
This also is the season that many of Washington's wild animals are defending and caring for their young.
And every year about this time, people venturing outdoors encounter newborn wildlife and many cannot resist the urge to pick up animals that appear orphaned or helpless, said Steve Zender, a state Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist in Spokane.
The "adopted" wild babies include seal pups on the beach, ducklings on the water, bear cubs, raccoon kits, coyote pups and deer fawns in the woods.
While it may appear that these animals are abandoned, often times their parents are only a short distance away.
Doe deer and cow elk often leave their young for periods of time to forage on their own and to keep from drawing predators to the helpless young through their own scent. Fawns and calves are born with little body scent and, in the case of fawns, their spotted coats offer excellent concealment in the brush.
"The message we're trying to get across to people this weekend is to leave all wildlife alone, for their safety and yours," Zender said.
For example, roly-poly bear cubs may look cuddly, "but people should be very concerned whether a mother bear is anywhere around when a cub starts bawling," he added.
Wildlife officials say outdoor enthusiasts should enjoy wildlife at a safe distance with binoculars or a telephoto camera lens.
"If a wild, healthy animal is brought to us, there's really nothing we can do for them. And, sadly, most of these animals that are removed from the wild will not survive because of the contact with humans," Zender said.
Despite pleas from the state officials to leave wild animals in the wild, the state is swamped with calls from people who have picked up these unsuitable wild "pets," then find out they're more than they can handle.
Not only is it unsafe to take animals from the wild and hold them in captivity, it's also against the law, a misdemeanor subject to fines of up to $200.
Holiday weekend campers and hikers also should take measures to prevent wild animals from being drawn too close and becoming a danger.
"Feeding wildlife is definitely something people should avoid. Once an animal becomes accustomed to human food, they usually become a real problem," he said.
Bears, for example, are notorious for raiding campgrounds where the smells of food are difficult to resist.
"We have a saying that a fed bear is a dead bear. Once a bear feels comfortable coming into a campground to forage, we often have no choice but to kill the animal because of concerns for human safety," he said.
Wildlife officials recommend keeping a clean camp, with food stored in vehicles or hung on high lines suspend between trees. Also, secure garbage can lids if they're available or haul out your trash.
If you're fishing in bear country, dispose of fish entrails in deep water away from camp and store fish in plastic bags in locking coolers.
Zender also said campers, hikers and others should be aware of potentially dangerous wildlife, such as cougars.
"Our cougar population is high around the state and many of these animals are learning the ways of humans," he said. "People need to be alert in the backcountry and even in well-used campgrounds. And parents should keep an eye on small children."
If you should encounter a cougar at close range, stay calm and move slowly to give the animal room to escape the situation. It goes against the urge to flee, but Zender said running triggers an animal's instinct to give chase.
"And I can guarantee that none of us are any match for a 100-pound cougar," he said.
If you are confronted by a cougar, the best advice is to act aggressive. "Stand tall, wave your arms and yell so you don't appear as prey," he added.
The key to having a safe outdoor outing this year is to be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times, Zender said.
Remember, you are the visitor in nature's backyard.
Sports home | Americans | Posse | Area sports | Riley | Outdoors | Area golf