Be aware of your Surroundings
A visual abundance of evidence brightens the heart with Spring in full boom. This is my favorite time of the year, as one bulb or plant finishes its bloom, another one opens, leaving a magnificent display of nature reminding us of new life.
We have more than flowers awakening in Spring, new birth and wildlife opening up to the world. This is Bear Creek after all, and named that for a reason. Signs of the bears coming down off the mountain and venturing out. Happy to know I am not the only one who gets excited over bear scat. Simple daily walks with friends and excited to share the interest sparked as we investigate, knowing we are not alone in the woods. Yes, we found a huge pile of fresh steaming bear poo. You could slightly smell the stench of the rustic bear had crossed the road and possibly hiding down in the brush as we walked past on the road. Bosco and Shasta knew she was close and present, the keen noses of both dogs eagerly trying to follow her trail.
The things to always be aware of your surroundings. I come to find, this bear is not the huge boar I expected ( from the size of the poo pile), but a very large mama with two new cubs. Later in the evening a quick drive down the road, I was able to catch a quick sight of them as they scurried up the clear cut close to the pile discovered earlier in the day. Excited to catch a glimpse of the cubs, but now cautious when venturing out each morning for daily walks. While usually feeling more confident with walking two big dogs, the dogs will need to stay on a leash in this area incase we cross paths again. The cliche of, " don't mess with a mama bear" all came about for a reason. She will take on dogs, people and who ever if she feels she needs to protect her cubs. It is also not acceptable for dogs to run down or harrass wildlife.
This week North in the Seattle area, two men on bicycles were attacked by a young male cougar, one was killed. While this is not a daily occurring event, the Pacific Northwest is filled with small towns encroaching on wild areas. The juvenille cougar, being less experienced with hunting saw the opportunity for dinner.
As you venture out for work, play or exercise, remember the wildlife was here first. This is their home too and we have to co-exist. Be aware of your surroundings, notice signs of wildlife and keep your distance. If you encounter a predator, do not make eye contact with a bear! When a wild animal puts its ears back in fear, snarles, grunts or snorts hear those sounds and take a warning. Even deer and elk will snort as a warning. Back away slowly, keeping an eye on the animal, don't run and don't turn your back on them. If they might attack, make yourself look bigger ( arms up, use a sweatshirt or coat), don't scream, but make lots of noise loud and deep. Carry a whistle when hiking, not only to call for help if needed but to make the noise. If you are attacked, curl up in a ball, protect your vital organs, head and neck and for a cougar; fight back. Use what ever you have to fight back,hang on to your bike and swing it, use it to protect yourself.
The best way to enjoy your adventure is to be prepared, be aware, educate yourself of the surroundings before you go, and let someone know where you were going and expect to return; cell phones don't work in many remote areas.
Spring is full of adventure, new life that sparks energy and life in us to explore and awaken the sleeping heart of Winter. It awakens for all of nature,not just people. This is what makes the adventure more exciting to explore, so be safe, be respectful of nature and return with good memories not disasterous ones.