Moose, and Snakes, and Bears - Oh My!

Today, while I was out hiking in the Doughnut Falls area, I came face to face with a big angry moose! I am an avid hiker and have spent many years hiking in different areas around the country.  Today was the first time I that I encountered this kind of wildlife so up close.  He started to charge me.  Only then did it dawn on me that I had absolutely no clue what to do.  So I ran.  I ran like my pants were on fire!  Luckily, for me, he easily lost interest and went on his merry way.

When I got home, the first thing I did was Google "what to do when you encounter a moose."  This prompted me to Google other wildlife in Utah as well.  I thought I would share my wealth of information with you so you will not be as unprepared as I was.

 What To Do If You Encounter a Moose:

• Move slowly, being careful not to make any quick or sudden movements.
• Never get between a cow and its calf.
• You are in potential danger if you are closer than 50 feet.
• If you see its ears go back or the hair on its hump stand up, it is angry and may attack–and can kick lethally with both front and rear feet.
• Never throw anything at a moose (unlike bear encounters).
• Keep your dog under control as it will only anger the moose, which will then chase it.
• If it charges you, get behind something large, such as a tree or boulder.
• If it knocks you to the ground, protect your head, stay still, and play dead.
• If all else fails–RUN. Some say that a moose is the only wild mammal or predator that you can run away from.
• And lastly, following a harrowing moose encounter, change your underwear!

What To Do If You Encounter a Rattlesnake:

• Leave it alone!  Rattlesnakes are docile creatures and will only strike in self defense, when harassed, or started. 
• Use caution when hiking in rattlesnake country.  Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Wear sturdy shoes or boots and loose fitting pants (especially around your ankles).
• Never throw anything at a snake.  Leave it alone!
• Keep your dog on a leash - even if he is well trained and behaved. 
• Stay on established trails - the more people that are around, the farther away snakes like to stay.
• Avoid running or allowing children to run - especially in dense vegetation.
• Use caution when placing your hands or feet atop rocks or in crevices.
• If you are bitten, seek medical attention right away.  With today's medical advancements it is rare for someone to die from a rattlesnake bite. However, you must seek attention right away.

 

What To Do If You Encounter a Bear:

• Do not feed or approach the bear.
• Remain calm and make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in a calm, assertive voice.
• Make sure the bear has an escape route.
• Yell, bang pots and pans or use an air horn to scare away the bear. Make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head.
• The bear may swat the ground and utter a series of huffs, or make popping sounds by snapping its jaws. These are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away and avoid direct eye contact. Do not run.
• If a bear stands on its hind legs or moves closer, it may be trying to get a better view or detect scents in the air. It is usually not a threatening behavior.
• Black bears will sometimes bluff charge when cornered or threatened or when attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact and then slowly back away. Again, do not run.
• If it knocks you to the ground, protect your head, stay still, and play dead.
• If the bear will not leave, head for nearby shelter. Remember that black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back. 

 

What To Do If You Encounter a Mountain Lion:

• Avoid rapid movements, running, loud, excited talk.
• Stay in groups; keep children with adults.
• Probability of risk is slight, provided your response is appropriate and you are more than 100 feet away.
• If you are closer than 100 feet away - Do not turn your back.
• Look for sticks, rocks or other weapons and keep them at hand.
• If you are closer than 50 feet away - Seek a safer location, or one above the lion, if available.
• Do not run!
• Appear larger. Raise arms, objects, or jackets above your head.
• If he is poised to attack, probability of risk is high - prepare to defend yourself!
• Throw sticks and stones, make loud noises, show your teeth, and act aggressively.  
• Above all, stay beyond striking distance of his paws.

There are many more things to think about when you come face to face with wild animals.  Before you venture out into the wild, research the area, learn about the local wildlife, and be prepared with what to do should you have to defend yourself.  Being prepared is the key to having a fun and safe hiking experience!