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Washington’s warm weather seasons bring people and wildlife together, and sometimes not in a good way.
Virtually any species of wildlife can potentially be a problem, depending on the situation, but a few are considered potentially dangerous – black bears, cougars, coyotes and moose.
Bears have become such a common conflict at this time of year that May is actually national “Bear Awareness” month. The seasonal distinction is for good reason -- hungry from a long winter of hibernation, black bears are active now as they forage on new, green growth in south-facing mountain meadows, or on virtually anything else they can get their paws on. And they have such an incredible sense of smell, they’ll sniff up that bird seed in your backyard feeder or that tuna fish sandwich in your hiking pack from a long way off.
Outdoor recreationists and those who live in bear country (which is much of Washington state) need to keep clean properties and camps to avoid drawing bears to food or garbage. That’s the number one way to avoid conflicts with bears, which usually avoid people but are driven by their need to feed.
Most confrontations with bears are a result of surprise encounters at close range, so take precautions to avoid startling a bear. Their size, strength and surprising speed make them potentially dangerous. When hiking or working in bear country, make your presence known and stay in groups.
Sows could have winter-den-born cubs in tow now, so especially keep a respectable distance to avoid problems with curious youngsters and protective mothers. If you do have a close encounter, avoid direct eye contact but talk and wave your hands to identify yourself as human, then move away slowly and give the bear an escape route.
For more about co-existing with black bears, see http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/living/bears.htm.
Photo by Rich Beausoleil |
Cougars are far less common in Washington (probably about one for every ten black bears), and by nature they are far more secretive. But rare as it may be, a conflict with a cougar can be extremely dangerous, particularly if a cougar has mistaken you or your domestic animals as prey.
If you live in wooded foothills where deer or elk (a cougar’s most common prey) are abundant, take precautions to avoid problems – keep pets indoors or in secure kennels at night , bring livestock into enclosed sheds or barns at night, avoid feeding wildlife of any kind or landscaping with plants that draw deer close to your home, and supervise children playing outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk.
If you’re recreating in cougar habitat, stay in groups and make noise to avoid surprising a cougar, keep small children close, don’t approach dead animals found, especially recently killed and partially covered deer or elk, and leave pets at home.
In the very rare close encounter with a cougar, stand tall and make yourself look as big as possible, don’t run, look directly at the animal and let it know in no uncertain terms that you are not prey, including shouting and throwing rocks if necessary.
For more information about co-existing with cougars, see http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/living/cougars.htm.
Photo by Brad Manchas |
Coyotes are such adaptable animals that they manage to occupy almost every conceivable habitat type in Washington, from open ranch country to densely forested areas to the Seattle downtown waterfront. They are prolific, despite efforts to control their numbers in some areas, and there are estimated to be at least two of them for every black bear in the state.
In other words, of all these potentially dangerous species, you are more likely to encounter a coyote than any other. And up until a few years ago, coyotes weren’t really even on the list of “potentially dangerous.”
There were no documented coyote attacks on humans in Washington until April, 2006. That’s when Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) officers euthanized two coyotes in Bellevue (King County) after two young children were bitten while their parents were nearby. Coyotes had also scratched and snapped at two women and charged a man in the same area. These coyotes’ unusually aggressive behavior likely resulted from being fed by people.
Like with most wildlife that can become a problem, the most important thing to do is not feed coyotes – not even unintentionally. Don’t leave pet food out, secure garbage, compost piles, and gardens, and pick up fruit that falls from orchard trees and seed that spills from bird feeders. Don’t leave small pets out, especially cats and especially at night. Secure chickens or other small livestock in completely enclosed pens.
For more information about co-existing with coyotes, see http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/living/coyotes.htm
Moose are in significant numbers only in the northeast part of Washington. But if that’s where you live or recreate, there’s a chance you might encounter one. And by their sheer size, they can be dangerous, even if unintentionally.
The urban and suburban Spokane area appears to have become a magnet of sorts for moose in recent years, at least in two different seasons. In late spring and early summer, cow moose seem to move to lower-lying areas near water sources to calve; yearling or older offspring that have followed Mom around are now on their own, and that often leads to adventures in the city. For the past two winters, moose have escaped deep snow by moving into town where roads are plowed and landscaping plants make easy meals.
Moose, like any wild animal, can feel threatened by and fearful of people. Although with their long legs they could outrun us, they are not built for speed like deer and will often choose "fight" over "flight" to escape a situation. A charging moose often kicks forward with its front feet, knocking down the threat, then stomping and kicking with all four feet. Antlered bulls can use their racks just as lethally. Moose can be aggressive any time, but in late spring and early summer, cows are very protective of young calves. And any moose at any time of the year can be aggressive towards dogs, which are viewed as predatory wolves.
Give moose plenty of space and keep dogs confined when they are around, or if you’re recreating in moose country. And like with all wildlife, never attempt to feed or approach one.
For more information about co-existing with moose, see http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/living/moose.htm.
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