by Eric Fies, Leave No Trace Master Educator
It can be as long as a car, stand as tall as a large man, weigh over a ton, have horns that can grow up to 2 feet long, run at speeds up to 40 MPH, jump up to 6 feet vertically, and be known for being wildly unpredictable and temperamental. So, why not stand within 3 to 6 feet to get that memorable photograph of you and an American bison? Well, that is exactly what a 16-year-old girl did in Yellowstone National Park recently. Unfortunately, she was gored, but unlike many who make this same mistake every year, she survived.
While it’s highly unlikely that you will encounter one of these beasts on the trail, it’s very important to understand Leave No Trace Principle #6: Respect Wildlife. Wild animals add to the nature experience and make the journey seem more untamed, but we must remember that we are but visitors to their world and must experience them through quiet observation.
Wildlife should be a consideration as you hold true to Leave No Trace Principle #1: Plan Ahead and Prepare. Learn about the predominant species that make your route and destination their home, and also consider the impact on their environment you and your group may cause. Understand their behavior and how you can prevent human–animal conflict. Smaller groups reduce potential agitation, so think about breaking larger groups into smaller ones to keep the furry residents happy.
Observe wildlife from a distance and try not to spook them or cause them to flee. Frightened animals can become injured in their efforts to escape or display unusually aggressive behavior. Do not approach, handle, or feed wild animals. This will keep wild animals wild, prevent the possibility of ending the trip early to deal with a painful injury from a bite or scratch, and allow you to enjoy your trip without worrying about taking home rabies or some other disease. If you encounter an injured animal or one that is acting erratically, give it lots of room and notify a game warden, park ranger, or animal control officer.
Do not impede access to water sources through passage, use, or proximity. Camps should be established 200 feet or more from these environmentally vital areas, and you should avoid them in the early morning and at night when animals tend to visit their favorite watering holes. Be a stellar practitioner of Leave No Trace Principle #3: Dispose of Waste Properly. Be cognizant of your waste and always minimize your contamination of water sources. Smart campers observe the area they are considering for animal tracks and game trails to avoid getting in the way or having an unpleasant surprise in the night. Always store your food, pet foods and treats, and any scented items that may attract animals in the proper container and well out of reach. In bear country, hang these items a minimum of 12 feet off the ground, 6 feet from the tree’s trunk, and 6 feet below the supporting limb or in a proper, bear-resistant canister.
Hiking and camping with your dog can be a lot of fun, but your fuzzy companion may not understand Principle #6 as well as you. (If it does, please contact the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics; your dog will have a bright future ahead!) Obey pet restrictions, leash regulations, and dispose of pet waste and unused food just as you do your own. Please leave your dog at home if it is aggressive toward other animals, is likely to chase wildlife or run away without a leash, or is too much for you to handle when excited or agitated.
We tend to think of the largest animals when we discuss Principle #6, but it is not just about the animals that can harm you. Leave No Trace is about minimizing impact to the environment through stewardship of our natural world. Every negative wildlife encounter creates conflict, affects the animal in its home, and develops harmful, uniformed opinions that may take years to change. We are visitors to their world, and with some common sense, compassion, and well-applied Leave No Trace Principles, we can walk among them for a moment in quiet, respectful observation.
Explore responsibly!
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Note: The member-driven Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics teaches people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Any copyrighted information has been reprinted with permission from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.