The Need for Wildlife Coexistence

Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast

Episode 143

The Need for Wildlife Coexistence 

One of the best things about where we live is the amount of wildlife we encounter. In fact, if we stayed at home most of the time we would see far more wildlife than people. The majority of the time those encounters are benign.

But one thought is always in the forefront of our minds. We live in the middle of the forest which means we actually live in the middle of what many creatures call home. Consequently, we have to be respectful of the neighbors so to speak.  

As our population continues to grow, encounters with wildlife are going to increase. Every time one of those encounters goes bad, it is always the animals that lose. In this episode, I want to focus on responsible wildlife interaction and the need for wildlife coexistence.   

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E 143 which is called The Need for Wildlife Coexistence. 

You know I am always amazed when I meet clients that are in their 40s or 50s and they come into the office with a new puppy and openly declare “This is my first dog.” It always catches me off guard because I’ve been around animals and have worked with them since I was “knee high to a grasshopper” as my grandfather used to say. As I result of how I grew up, I have been dealing with animals from a very young age. From farm animals to wild animals, it is no surprise that I grew up to become a veterinarian.  

Even from a young age my father and grandfather started teaching me about wildlife. But it was not until I moved onto the homestead that my encounters with wildlife increased exponentially. It felt as if I was living on the edge of the wilderness. Initially at least,  about 25% of the time, those encounters were due to aggressive behavior, especially when it came to the bears and mountain lions. 

There have been two different occasions when bobcats have gotten into the chicken and turkey barn and cause significant damage. There have been numerous up close and personal encounters with mountain lions that were down right scary and I’ve actually had physical contact with a bear two different times and walked away without injury.  

Despite all of this I have always felt that we just needed to learn to coexist. After all we are the ones that moved into the middle of their territory. Over time I learned a lot about the behavior patterns of mountain lions and bears and learned what not to do. 

I could not really do much about the bobcats due to their aggressive predatory behavior. At the end of the day, that problem was simply due to my lack of taking proper precautions. The bobcat was just being a bobcat and looking for a meal. In both cases, I managed to catch the bobcat in a live trap, drove him nearly 75 miles away and let him go. Now most people would likely think that was a bit extreme. But I strongly believe that because of where and how we live we just needed to learn to coexist because all of these animals were living there long before we called it home. 

But there are a lot of people who do not think this way. I see people getting impatient when there is a herd of bighorn sheep standing in the middle of the road unwilling to move. People start yelling, waving their arms out the widow and blasting their car horn. I also see the same happen with deer, elk, and moose.

But I truly think one of my biggest pet peeves is when people move into the area, buy a house with some land and decide they are going to raise some sort of farm animal. Sheep and goats seem to be a common choice but they are also easy pickings for mountain lions and bears unless you have a livestock guardian animal. 

What typically happens is shortly thereafter the establishment of their mini farm several animals are killed due to predatory behavior.  Then these folks get absolutely indignant and exclaim, “How could this possibly happen? Someone needs to do something about this!” It never seems to occur to them that the animals responsible for the raid were there long before they came along.

This is truly yet another example of when human populations continue to grow and expand encounters with wildlife are going to become more frequent. The same will happen as more and more people begin to venture out into the natural world. And in Colorado there is still a whole lot of back country. 

But this underscores the very reason that conflict between humans and wildlife is on the rise. As human populations continue to grow and expand, our demand for space also grows. Consequently, interaction between humans and wildlife are becoming increasingly frequent and so is the potential for conflict. This is because we are competing for common space and resources. 

This conflict has driven the decline of species that were once abundant and is pushing others to the brink of extinction. When there is human wildlife conflict that results in property damage, loss of livelihoods, and even loss of life, the impact often reaches far beyond defensive and retaliatory killing. It also has global affects and places pressures on the concepts of sustainable development. 

Our coexistence with wildlife is actually a vital part of sustainable development and conservation. In fact, the very survival of some of the world’s most iconic species, such as tigers and elephants, is at risk due to the continued threat of human-wildlife conflict. We certainly need to learn to mange this conflict in a sustainable manner, reduce that conflict as much as possible and move forward with an attitude of coexistence. That being the case, the question then becomes what are things we can do to respect wildlife, interact responsibly and avoid conflict. This is a very important issue because our coexistence with the natural world is vital to a sustainable future. 

Responsible wildlife interaction

There is no doubt that our national parks, marine reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and various other protected areas are some of the most valuable natural resources that we have on the planet. But if we are going to continue to enjoy them we have to act responsibly and learn to coexist. 

When I was going through my training to become a diving instructor, there were numerous sessions on being a responsible diver. One session in particular dealt with wildlife encounters. After all, one of the best things about diving is all the critters that you get to see. 

The point being, 95% of the time that scuba divers are injured by wildlife it is their own fault. Getting way too close, harassing them, trying to feed them, or approaching younger animals all tend to incite defensive behavior. But, from what I see, the same holds true when people are injured by wildlife on land. 

If we are to continue enjoying the beauty of our natural resources, we have to learn to respect it and interact responsibly. After all seeing wildlife and watching those beautiful creatures in their natural environment is one of the best ways to maximize your outdoor experience. You just have to remember that we are the ones venturing into their home, not the other way around. 

Responsible Wildlife Viewing

What I want to do is cover a few topics on the best way to view wildlife, how to do so in a responsible manner, and how to reduce the possibility of conflict. But before doing that, I should probable discuss some basic outdoor etiquette. 

Carry In, Carry Out

The first thing to always keep in mind is carry in, carry out. Anyone who enjoys being in the outdoors does not like to see litter and trash. For me, especially as a diver, it truly detracts from the entire natural experience. So the easiest thing to do is don’t litter. If you carrying something in then carrying it out. 

For me there is nothing worse than hiking for hours to reach a pristine lake only to arrive and find a liquor bottle turned up side down and left on a tree branch. 

But besides such unsightly behavior, trash can also be dangerous to wildlife. As a veterinarian I have seen more than my fair share of birds come into the office with fishing line tangled around their feet and have to euthanize them as a result. But animals can also mistake trash as a source of food, swallow something and die as a result.  

So, carry in, carry out. If there is no way to dispose of trash properly then take it back home. No one wants to see polluted open spaces, parks, much less out in the middle of the forest. I have seen more than one area completely closed to further access simply because people were not respecting it.  So, carry in, carry out.  

Respect private property

The next best thing you can do is to respect private property. Many open spaces, public land, and national forest border private property. Know where the boundaries are and respect them. There are numerous mapping and GPS apps on the market these days that will help you to find property boundaries. 

It should go without saying that you should obey local laws and respect no trespassing signs.  These signs not only alert you property boundaries but may also keep you safe due to the presence of sink holes, open mines, and even unleashed guardian dogs that are protecting the property. If you see wildlife on private property then use your binoculars or spotting scope instead of entering without permission and risk an angry encounter with a property owner. 

Keep Quiet

I also think that keeping quiet is another one of those no-brainers. Turn off your cell phone, talk in a low voice. You are never going to see any wildlife any way if your phone is ringing and the kids are screaming. Other than seeing trash, one of the things that bothers me the most is to be hiking in the middle of no where and come across someone that is having a loud conversation on their cell phone. I always shake my head and wonder if that is what they want to do then what is the point of being outside in the first place. 

Leave only footprints

And of course one of my favorite concepts is leave only footprints. What this means is to have as little impact as possible. Follow regulations regarding trail use. Stay on the trail. If the trail is not designed for mountain biking then walk. If you turn over a log or rock then put it back. 

What most people do not realize is that there are plants in alpine areas and even in the dessert that take hundreds or even thousands of years to grow. Even walking on them can cause extensive damage. For example, there are certain types of biologically active soils in the dessert that take a thousand years to form. So, be respectful and stay on the trail. 

Respect wildlife as being “wild”

My next tip may seem like a no-brainer but you would be surprised at just how many people do not abide by this simple rule. Whenever you are viewing wildlife you have to respect those creatures for what they are, and that is a wild animal. 

Some of these fantastic creatures are awfully cute but that does not mean they are friendly. Approaching humans are often seen as a threat and those cut animals are more than willing to let you experience their sharp teeth. Even if they approach you, keep your hands to yourself.  

I seem to experience this more commonly when I go diving. Shops often set up trips to the same reefs or wreck sites so the local marine life become accustomed to people. The black tipped reef sharks are a perfect example. However, I would never attempts to touch them. 

The other most common thing I see is when people see baby deer, elk or moose and think it is a good idea to pet them because they are so cute. That is a perfect way to get attacked and stomped so don’t do it. Be respectful and keep your distance. 

Wild Animals are on Their Own Schedule

Another no brainer to remember is that wild animals are on their own schedule. So, don’t try to pressure them. 

There have been a number of times when I have been on my way to work when I have to stop because a huge herd of elk are slowly making their way across the road. But the more common thing to happen is when I am leaving the cabin and there is a big bull moose standing in the middle of the road. There are plenty of willows along the road which is easy grazing. I just back way off and let them take their time. 

Approaching Wildlife

And one of the reasons I do this is I don’t want to approach them too closely. If you are close enough for them to react to your presence then you are too close. Being too close has the potential of creating several problems. 

First off, it could result in defensive and even aggressive behavior because you are viewed as a threat. Spooking them and causing them to run could also cause them to injure themselves. Causing them to flee may result in them seeking refuge across a road which could result in them being killed. Furthermore, you  have to keep in mind that wild animals literally live meal to meal. Spooking them only causes them to exert energy that could have been used for hunting or foraging. 

If you find a nest with baby birds then stay away from it. Nesting animals are often intolerant of being disturbed. If you disturb them enough they may abandon a nest with egg and babies. 

The bottom line is that their well being should be your first priority instead of your viewing experience. It is difficult to say how close is too close. This varies with the species and whether or not they have young present. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and provide a large buffer between you and them. Always strive to avoid having them react to your presence.  

Just the other day I walked out of the cabin and saw a cow moose with a new born calf. They were about 50 yards away through the aspen groove. When I came around the corner of the cabin she raised her head and looked right at me. I then went back inside got my binoculars. I quietly came back around the cabin and sat perfectly still on the porch and enjoyed almost 2 hours of watching her and the new born before they wondered off in the forest. 

Handling Wildlife

The next topic I want to cover is whether or not you should handle wildlife. This is a particular sensitive topic to me because I have lost count of the number of times people have brought wildlife into the clinic where I was working because they thought it was lost or orphaned.  Most of the the time these animals go to foster homes because they can no longer be returned to the wild because they will likely be rejected. 

And depending on the type of animal, there is the possibility of infectious disease transmission. So, when it come to birds and mammal, the short answer is leave them alone and do not handle them. 

However, some of the best learning experiences for young children is handling frogs, turtles and insects. This kind of exposure can help to foster an appreciate for and respect for wildlife. Just encourage them to be careful and be gentle. 

Pets and Wildlife

And one other point I want to bring up is something you would think would be obvious. Numerous people these days go walking, hiking and camping in areas that are frequented by wildlife. If that is you, then you need to keep them under control. Keep them confined, keep them on a leash. Do not allow them to chase, grab, dig-up or otherwise have any interaction with wildlife. 

The worse case is that your pet will be injured or killed. Again, this is something I frequently see in the emergency clinic. Animals such as deer, elk, and moose will only run so far before they turn and attack especially if they get cornered or it is breeding season. 

Also, many wild animals are vectors for disease transmission. This can be viral, bacterial or through the external parasites they are carrying. This should be good enough reason to limit their contact with wildlife.  

Domestic cats should be kept indoors. No matter how well fed they are, they are still going to hunt. Scientists estimate that domestic cats kill hundreds of millions of birds and more than a billion small mammals ever year. Domestic cats are not a species that is native to North America so they should be kept indoors. 

And related to this issue, is your pets should never be released into the wild because you can no longer take care of them. This happens more commonly with captive snakes, frogs, and fish. The first concern is disease transmission because these pets are often from other parts of the planet. The second concern is that they may actually do very well in the climate where they are released. Thus they become an invasive species. 

A perfect example of this is the lion fish. These fish are native to the Indo-Pacific region. It is presumed that they were either intentionally released or they escaped from aquariums. At any rate, they have multiplied rapidly and become a tremendous problem. In many places where I go diving, there are no regulations on harvesting lion fish because they damage the local ecosystem. 

Another perfect example is the invasion of Boa Constrictors, Pythons, and Anacondas in South Florida. None of these species are native to this area and the invasion is the direct result of people setting their pets free into the wild. This has resulted in an 80 t0 near 100% decline in native species of raccoons, rabbits, and opossums. 

If you see something, say something. 

And the last point I want to bring home is very simple. If you see something, say something. If you see people being irresponsible with wildlife then say something. Many people are not accustomed to seeing wildlife and they may not know they are potentially putting themselves in danger. So say something. You might actually keep them from getting injured. So don’t be shy, say something. 

When I go home to the cabin, I have to drive through a campground. I commonly see people leaving out food and even leaving small dogs chained to a table and left unattended. When I stop to inform them of the hazards of the local bears, lions, coyotes, foxes, and bobcats they are often dumb founded that such dangers still exist. I can only presume that is because as much as 83% of us now live in urban areas.  

So, to kind of sum things up here: 

More and more these days people are moving to urban areas. That does have advantages but it also means we are increasingly disconnected from the natural world. But the best way to reconnect and appreciate the natural world is to go outside. Besides, the only way we are going to save our planet is to learn to love it. But, as we venture outside, we have to do it responsibly. So follow some very simple rules: 

Know before you go. 

Every park we go to is unique in many ways. Get familiar with the local wildlife and any specific viewing guidelines. 

Keep Quiet

If you expect to actually see wildlife then keep quiet. 

Give animals room

Keep a safe distance at all times. A minimum of 50 yards from most animals and at least 100 yards from most predators. 

Do not disturb

Keep in mind that it is illegal to feed, touch, tease, frighten, or intentionally disturb wildlife. At the least you will get a ticket from a ranger. At the worst, you could get injured or killed. Additionally, keep you pets on a leash or otherwise confined. 

Store your food and stash your trash

If you see something, say something. 

If someone is being irresponsible, then say something. 

Be responsible

The bottom line here is to just be responsible. As our population continues to grow, the wildlife that is such a valuable part of our history also feel the pressure. If we do not respect them and learn to coexist their loss will be as much of a danger to us as climate change. Protecting our natural resources is the only way that future generations will know the majesty of the Earth as we know it today and it is the very foundation of building a sustainable future.

Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick