A hike during the winter months is both refreshing and exciting. It is a means of enjoying the great outdoors, despite falling snow and temperature plummets. It is also a way to enjoy viewing wildlife that you may not – otherwise – get to observe during other periods of the year.
This is both a benefit and a downside. You must practice caution on hikes with certain types of wildlife. In this guide, you will learn how to hike alongside of and observe all that winter wildlife safely during your outdoor adventures.
Common Wildlife
While hiking – especially through the trails of the Carolinas – there are many common types of wildlife that you may encounter. These include squirrels, coyotes, various types of birds, and foxes. Depending on where you are – exactly – you could even observe alligators and snakes attempting to sun themselves in order to get warm.
Regardless of what type of wildlife you come across, it is best to always keep your distance. If you want to see wildlife up close, it is best to bring binoculars. This will allow you to view the creatures safely being that you are watching from a distance. Never approach any type of wildlife.
Feeding Wildlife
Regardless of how tempting it is, you should never attempt to feed any type of wildlife. First, many types of food are dangerous to the health of the creatures. Secondly, feeding wildlife makes the creatures come a little too close to you and in the future, others.
Not only is getting too close to wildlife dangerous – in terms of potential attacks – it can also result in the spread of diseases that are detrimental to human health. Finally, if people feed wildlife, it could make the creature dependent on humans for their survival.
Not only will this impact their ability to look for food naturally, it could cause them to experience complications in fighting off natural predators.
Identifying Tracks
As you hike through the snow, you are likely to stumble upon wildlife tracks. Though exciting, you should avoid following the tracks. You should also learn what certain tracks are associated with what animals. For example, coyote tracks are similar to a dog’s tracks and tend to move forward and in one direction.
Deer tracks display a split in the hooves. By recognizing the tracks on your hike, you will be alert to what types of animals are near you and which direction you should go – or not go – in order to avoid a conflict with wildlife.
Reaction
If hiking in the wild, you should learn how to react if you stumble across certain types of wildlife. For example, if you see a coyote and it starts to approach you, should start yelling, wave your arms, and even throw something – but you should never attempt to run away.
If you come across a wild turkey, make lots of loud noises and swat at it. If you stumble across a bobcat, simply back away in a slow manner. Talk firmly and stick close with others in your group.
By knowing how to react to wildlife, you will be safe on your hike. To learn more about wildlife, view our blog at Palmetto Wildlife Extractors by visiting the following link: https://palmettowildlifeextractors.com/blog/