What To Do When Wildlife Gets Too Close for Comfort
Exploring the outdoors in Northeast Wyoming and Southwest South Dakota offers incredible opportunities to experience nature’s beauty, from the Black Hills to the rolling plains.
However, with these adventures comes the possibility of wildlife encounters. Knowing what to do when wildlife gets too close for comfort is essential for staying safe and protecting both the animals and yourself.
Make Your Presence Known
Most wildlife, such as black bears and mountain lions, tend to avoid humans. Making noise while hiking, such as talking, clapping, or attaching a bell to your pack, helps alert animals to your presence, allowing them to move away. Although a quiet hike may seem peaceful, a little noise can help prevent startling encounters.
Stay Calm and Avoid Sudden Movements
If you encounter a wild animal, avoid panicking or running away. Sudden movements may trigger the animal’s chase response. Instead, stand your ground, evaluate the situation, and speak in a calm, low voice to let the animal know you’re not a threat. Staying calm can help de-escalate the situation and might encourage the animal to leave.
What To Do if the Animal Approaches
If an animal moves closer, stay calm and back away slowly while maintaining eye contact. Avoid turning your back, as this could encourage pursuit. To appear larger, raise a jacket or backpack over your head. Use a firm, loud voice to assert dominance, but avoid using a high-pitched tone. Always ensure you have a clear escape route and look for higher ground if needed.
Give the Animal Space
One of the most common mistakes is getting too close to wildlife. Animals that feel cornered or threatened are more likely to exhibit defensive behavior. Always provide a clear escape route. If you encounter an animal on a trail, step aside and let it pass.
A helpful rule to keep in mind:
When you see wildlife, stretch out your arm, raise your thumb, and close one eye. If the animal can’t be covered by your thumb, you’re too close. Step back slowly until you reach a safe distance.
Know When to Get Big and Loud
In some cases, appearing intimidating can deter animals, such as coyotes. Stand tall, raise your arms, and make loud noises to assert dominance. If you’re with others, group together to appear more formidable. However, never use this approach with animals that are cornered or protecting their young, as it may provoke an attack.
Understand Local Wildlife
Familiarizing yourself with the wildlife in Northeast Wyoming and Southwest South Dakota can help you respond appropriately. For instance, while you should make yourself look big for a black bear, you’d want to appear small and non-threatening if you encounter a mountain lion.
Homeowners in areas like Weston, Crook, or Pennington counties may also encounter smaller animals such as raccoons, opossums, or skunks. Knowing how to handle skunk damage and odor control is key. Give them space and remove food sources to avoid a stinky situation.
Keep Your Dog on a Leash
Dogs can escalate wildlife encounters by chasing animals, which may provoke a defensive attack. Keeping your dog leashed ensures their safety and prevents them from agitating wildlife or posing a threat to you.
By staying aware and knowing what to do when wildlife gets too close for comfort, you can enjoy the natural wonders of Northeast Wyoming and Southwest South Dakota safely. Responsible outdoor recreation helps these beautiful creatures thrive, ensuring your encounters remain positive and memorable.