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RESPECT WILDLIFE

A precious element of outdoor activities is the possibility of seeing wildlife. Easily a highlight for most folks, we need to stop and put the shoe on the other foot.....Is seeing humans excitement for wildlife?

There are three types of reactions wildlife will have toward humans:

HABITUATION - the animal is not disturbed, may look up, but goes back to its business (example: moose eating on other side of a bog, looks up, keeps feeding). Maine-ly moose country

Canada jay grabbing Corn nuts ATTRACTION - the animal is interested in you, may pester you or come closer (example: Canada jay, looking for food, that hangs around and dive bombs people).

AVOIDANCE - Animal runs away (example: a deer in the woods takes off, all you see is a white tail). Hoofing it

The response that has the least amount of impact is Habituation. The animal doesn't use extra resources or leave its habitat because of human presence. With attraction, animals are becoming dependent upon humans which can disrupt their natural cycles .... and with avoidance, animals dip into energy reserves to escape. Their "flight" mechanism is triggered which raises adrenaline and uses more energy. This can be particularly harmful in winter.

What is the best way to enjoy wildlife?

Resist the urge to feed them - it disturbs their natural food cycles

Give them their space. Following animals pushes them further and further from their area and keeps them "on the move" using precious energy

Avoid animals during mating season and when they have young
Hang food or store it in impermeable containers or tear-resistant bags. This prevents animals from eating your food and associating campsites as a feeding ground.
Be conscious to pick up small crumbs and food spills. These attract nuisance rodents like mice and squirrels to campsites.

Last updated May 20, 2006, by MATC Webmaster Terry L. Karkos.
Text copyright © 1999-2006 MATC.

HABITUATION - the animal is not disturbed, may look up, but goes back to its business (example: moose eating on other side of a bog, looks up, keeps feeding).
	ATTRACTION - the animal is interested in you, may pester you or come closer (example: Canada jay, looking for food, that hangs around and dive bombs people).
AVOIDANCE - Animal runs away (example: a deer in the woods takes off, all you see is a white tail).