Recreate With Safety in Mind
STAY TOGETHER
Slide 1
Wild Aware Utah founded by Utah’s Hogle Zoo has partners including Utah Division of Wildlife
Resources, and Utah State University Cooperative Extension-Wildlife.
Thank you for coming, Become Wild Aware: learn about the amazing wildlife we have in Utah.
Living and recreating in Utah means that we share our environment with wildlife.
We hope that you will be involved in this program. We are going to go over some tips to stay
safe while enjoying the wild outdoors Learn and have fun!
What time of day should you be most alert of wildlife activity?
ANSWER DAWN and DUSK
This Is when most animals are active. They are moving about to get started with their day or are
settling in for the night.
Lets talk about how to be more Wild Aware during different times of the year. Spring and
Summer are the times of year when animals are searching for food, breeding and raising
young.
Examples:
• Black bears come out of hibernation searching for food. And females may have cubs.
• Coyotes are raising pups, they need to find more food to raise their young.
• Elk, mule deer and moose are raising young. We need to leave fawns or calves and mothers
alone.
• Birds are nesting.
• Remember: Females are often more aggressive when they are protecting young. When out
recreating do not get between an mother and her young.
Hike With Safety in Mind
• Always hike, jog or bike with a companion and make noise to alert wildlife of your presence.
We all want to be quiet when out in the wild in hopes of seeing animals, but you may also
stumble onto an animal that is surprised and wary of your presence.
• Keep children safe when hiking. Keep them within the group or in sight ahead of your group.
• Keep pets supervised and under control. This is for their safety, so they don’t encounter
wildlife or bring wildlife closer to you.
• Keep food and trash in odor-free containers. If you brought it in pack it out.
• Keep trash off of trails and keep camp and picnic areas clean.
• Don’t wear headphones. Or if you must, then only put one ear bud in. Headphones can
prevent you from hearing wildlife approaching.
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Ride on designated trails and roads.
UDWR Scott Root
Slide 2
• Hike, bike and ride on designated trails and roads.
• Off trail riding could spook, injure or kill wildlife such as fawns, snakes and ground nesting
birds.
• Keep an eye out for animals moving near or on trails.
• Approach wildlife on the trail slowly. Park the bike or ATV if possible.
• If you startle the animal, it may run directly into your path.
• Give the animal to react and give it as wide a berth as possible.
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Recreating With Pets
Porcupine quills
Snake bite
Slide 3
• Protect pets by keeping them leashed. A dog off lead could encounter and get in trouble with any number of
wildlife such as moose, porcupines, snakes, skunks.
• If the dog is leashed it can be kept close, and pulled safely away form a wild animal.
• When recreating with your dog, be aware that your dog may be an attractant to animals like coyotes or cougars
that may view it as a threat or as prey.
• Do not let your pets play with wildlife . That activity is harassment and can also put your dog in danger of getting
injured.
• Dogs off leash can chase, injure or kill deer, elk or moose especially in heavy snowfall. Wild animals are trying to
conserve energy during this time. Unnecessary harassment can be harmful to them.
• Moose can be especially aggressive towards dogs, even if the dog is leashed.
• If you see a moose while walking your dog, keep your dog quiet and take an alternate route out of the area.
• It is against Utah law to allow your dogs to chase and harass wildlife.
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Observe from a safe distance
50 to 300 feet away
Slide 4
Here are a few examples of folks getting a dangerously close to wildlife. It is important to remember that Utah
is home to an abundance of wildlife. It can be exciting to see wildlife, but remember to observe from a safe
distance. Do not rush up to a wild animal as soon as you see one.
Sometimes animals are wary of our presence and may watch people. Coyotes for example will watch people
as they hike by to see what we are up to, and if we are coming too close to their dens.
Never approach wildlife! How may people have seen others rush up dangerously close to take photos of a
bugling elk or a moose wandering near town?
It is important to always give the animal a clear escape route. t is important to know some wildlife behaviors to
determine if the animal is behaving aggressively. This way we can know how to react.
Know when to call authorities:
If you see an animal you don’t necessarily need to call authorities. Animals may be active where they are
normally found. Consider it a lucky day that you got to see a wild animal.
You should call only:
if the animal is acting threatening, aggressive, destroying property, occupying an area in a human
development (i.e. under a porch) or otherwise acting odd. There are phone numbers provided for you at the
end of this presentation. There are also phone numbers listed in the Wild Aware Utah printed materials.
.
wildawareutah.org
Cougar, mountain lion, or puma
100-200 lbs.
Black bear 100- 400 lbs.
Coyotes 20- 30 pounds.
Moose 800- 1200 lbs.
Slide 5
Let’s talk about a few of the large animals you may see while out recreating in Utah’s wild places.
Cougars are members of the cat family. They are also known as mountain lion, puma or panther. They
are much larger than a bobcat. Males can weigh 130-200 lbs. Cougars can be found in many different
habitats throughout the state. They make a scream like sound or purring bird-like chirps. Note that their
tracks lack nail marks since cats retract their claws. The pads also have an “M” shape. Tracks are 2 1/2 3 1/4 inches .
Black bears are the only species of bear we currently have in Utah. Their coats can be black, brown,
reddish brown or cinnamon. Males weigh 125-400 lbs. They are considered carnivores (meat eaters) but
almost 80% of their diet is vegetation. They may a low rumble noise. When upset they will woof and
clatter their jaws. Note the tracks show five toes. Sometimes the claws may not be visible. Tracks are 5-7
inches.
Coyotes are members of the dog family. They are larger than foxes and much smaller than wolves. They
have slender muzzles and bushy tails. They are usually gray-brown in color. Adults can weigh between
20-30 lbs. Coyotes can be found throughout the state in many different habitats, including urban settings.
They make dog like barks and yipping howls. Note the tracks are very domestic dog-like with the claws
very visible. The tracks are more slender than a domestic dog’s. Tracks are 2-3 1/2 inches.
Moose are the largest member of the deer family and are found in forested areas of Utah especially near
waterways and lakes. Adults can weigh up to 800 lbs. Only the bull or male has palm-shaped antlers part
of the year. They are shed in the spring and re-grown in the fall. Moose make a loud, low whoooo sound
and when upset will make a grumble noise. Note the tracks are similar to a domestic cow, but are much
more slender. Tracks are 4-6 inches.
wildawareutah.org
Hiking in Snake Country
Slide 6
Which one of these shoes are the kind you should hike with while in snake country?
• Wear close-toed shoes while hiking. They can protect your feet better than flip flops or sandals.
During the spring and summer months you may encounter snakes on the trail. Utah is home to 31 species of
snakes, several of which are venomous. All snakes in Utah are protected species.
Snakes can hide well on trails and in thick grasses.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep your pets on a leash, again don’t try to pick up snakes. Leave them be.
• Look carefully where you set your feet, and look well before you sit down on the ground, on rocks or logs.
• Stay on the designated, cleared pathways. Most wildlife will avoid areas with high human traffic, and retreat to
the quieter wild areas off trail.
• If you are heading into know snake areas, it would be best to wear ankle high boots or purchase snake gaiters.
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Who is Venomous and Who is Not?
Encountering snakes: STAY CALM!
Slide 7
Sometimes these snakes are called poisonous, but that description is not correct.
Do you know the difference between poisonous and venomous? Poison is something that you need to ingest to
make you sick, like eating certain mushrooms. Venom has to be injected into your body; for example through
the fangs of a snake or the needles of a sea urchin.
Which snake is venomous and which is not? The top one or the bottom one?
The top one is a pit-viper venomous snake head. The venomous species of snakes in Utah are called pit-vipers
because of the heat sensor holes above their upper lip.; ‘Cat’s-eye’ long pupil; pit holes between nose and
eyes; snub-short face. The head is heart or spade shaped. The venom sacs in the lower jaw give the snake a
pit bull like look.
The bottom one is a non-venomous snake head: Round eye and round pupil; no pit
holes on face; longer, rounded face. The head is the same width as the neck.
Never pick up ANY snake. Observe snakes from a distance. Picking up non-venomous snakes can also be
dangerous. They do have small needle-like teeth and will usually express a smelly musk liquid as a defense.
Rattlesnakes do need their venom to kill and eat prey, so they do not ‘give’ venom away randomly.
Rattlesnakes use their rattle to warn predators, like humans, of it’s presence and to tell it to “go away”. If the
predator does not listen to the warning their last resort is to strike and administer the venom.
If you hear a rattlesnake “rattle,” stand still until you can locate where the sound is coming from. DO NOT JUMP
OR RUN. If you do this, you may end up within the snake’s biting range.
If you see a snake on the trail, calmly walk away from it and give it room to get away from you.
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Encountering
Elk, Moose, or Mule deer
STAY CALM!
UDWR
A
Which group is too close?
B
Slide 8
It can be fairly common to encounter a moose on a hiking trail. Do you know what to do?
Remember to always stay calm when encountering wild animals.
• Always give moose a lot of space, never crowd or circle around a moose.
• Do not run. If the moose starts to chase you, running may encourage it to continue the chase.
• Talk loudly and back away slowly.
• If the animal charges, hide behind something solid, like a tree.
• If you are knocked down, curl into a ball, protect your head and lie still until the animal retreats. Moose may briefly
rake and paw at you, that is why you need to protect your head.
• Dogs can aggravate a moose so keep pets away from moose.
Take a look at these photos: Which group of people are keeping a good distance form the moose? A or B?
Answer A.
People should stay at the very least 50 feet or three car lengths away, or up to 300 feet away form a moose.
Do you know how fast a moose can run? Answer: 35 miles an hour.
wildawareutah.org
Encountering
Bears, Cougar, Coyote etc.
STAY CALM!
Slide 9
Black bears and other wildlife usually avoid contact with people, but encounters in Utah’s woods and mountains are not
uncommon. We don’t want to scare you, just inform you about what animals share our state and how to avoid conflicts.
Here are some general tips:
Always STAY CALM! Give the animal a chance to leave. Always give the animal a clear escape route. Don’t circle
around the animal.
Most of the forested areas in Utah are bear country. Carry bear spray and learn how to use it correctly.
DO NOT
• Run, especially from a cougar, bear or coyote. Q Does anyone know why? You can trigger the animal’s predator-prey
response and they will chase you just as they do a deer or rabbit.
• Chase the animal.
• Approach it or try to feed it.
• Crowd the animal; doing so could make it stressed and unpredictable.
DO:
• Be as big and as loud as possible.
• Stomp your feet, and clap your hands.
• Shout in a loud, authoritative voice.
• Throw sticks or rocks at the animal if it approaches.
• Do not turn your back. Face the animal and back away slowly.
• If attacked, fight back!
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Be Wild Aware: Clean Camping
A
B
↕100 yards away
WHICH IS “WILD AWARE” CAMPING?
Slide 10
Learn to Be Wild Aware and camp responsibly. Sloppy campers and hikers don’t just endanger themselves, but also
future visitors.
How many of you have gone to a campground or picnic area and found trash and leftover food?
If these attractants are left out bears and other wild animals will learn they can find food at that site and will continue to
return. Clean up any dirty sites you find and always leave it cleaner than you found it.
Share what you have learned with family and friends.
Which of these pictures show Wild Aware Camping? Answer B
There is a lot wrong with A. This site is full of attractants for wildlife. This site puts humans and wildlife at risk.
•
•
•
•
•
Pets are off leash,
food and toiletries are in the tent,
bird feeders are hung up,
the camp is set up near berries, a food source for wild animals,
the trash is overflowing.
B is Wild Aware because
• a dog is on a leash,
• no food or toiletries in the tent,
• all food and scented items are keep 100 yards form the tent,
• trash is hung in a tree,
• food is stored in odor free bear proof containers.
The site below is full of attractants for wildlife. Even the trash bag is too close to the tent. This site puts humans and wildlife at
risk.
wildawareutah.org
Clean Camping
Slide 11
Always maintain a “Wild Aware” campsite and picnic area.
• Secure food and trash in an odor-free, bear-proof container. Some campsites supply you with those, otherwise
they can be purchased or rented online or at recreation stores.
• Do not leave pet food or dishes around the campsite.
• Keep food, the cooking area and strong smelling toiletries 100 yards away from the sleeping area.
• Never store food, drinks or scented items in your tent.
• See how to properly hang trash or food from a tree. Use a sturdy tree and tie your bag 10 feet above the
ground and at least 10 feet away from the tree truck so bears can’t climb to get at it.
Keeping a clean, odor-free campsite is key to keeping wildlife away.
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Dana
Slide 12
If you pack it in always pack it out.
If a wild animal receives a food reward from a human source, it can become food-conditioned. This behavior has
resulted in the removal or death of many wild animals, and has also increased the risk of human injury.
• Do not leave food out to deliberately attract bears or other animals. It is great to see wildlife but we should not be
luring them by leaving treats.
• Pick up trash and leftover food.
• Wipe down picnic tables.
• Clean barbeque grills well after use.
• Do not put trash in the fire pit and do not burn it. Doing so can send the smell of food a long distance and attract
bears.
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Feeding Wildlife: Just Say No!
NPS
It is not a good idea to leave food out to deliberately attract
bears or other animals.
Slide 13
Just say no to feeding wildlife.
Offering human food like popcorn, fries and picnic leftovers can disease, death and throat obstructions in wild
animals.
Feeding wildlife can also:
• Habituate them to humans, which then can threaten human safety, you can disrupt their natural foraging
process. They won’t learn to find wild food.
• Change their behavior, altering movement and migration patterns. They want to just stay where they can find
an easy meal and not move to find mates, shelter, water and wild food.
• Encouraging wildlife to move towards camping areas and human developments for treats can force them to
cross roadways leading to increase collisions with vehicles.
• If you leave out food for chipmunks or squirrels, you may also inadvertently encourage other animals, like
foxes, skunks and bears, to come too.
• Anything with teeth can bite. Even a chipmunk can injure an adult person. Take a look at the photo of a person
who decided to offer food to a little rodent.
We can help wildlife stay wild by observing them from a distance and letting them find wild food.
Every situation is different. Every animal reacts differently. Wild Aware Utah teaches basic tips that may help you
if you encounter wildlife. Wild animals are exciting to see and usually avoid people. Be wild aware, respect
wildlife. They share our great state with us.
As people who live and recreate in this exceptional Utah area, you are in a unique position to make a real
difference for wildlife. What you do really does matter. We hope that we have given you reasons to respect, and
not fear our amazing Utah wildlife and learned tips on how to reduce conflicts with wildlife in Utah.
Thank you for coming.
wildawareutah.org