How to Avoid Bad Encounters with Wild Animals
Why You Should Be Making Some Noise While Hiking
May 21, 2009
Wardens, experienced hikers, and hiking guidebooks all advise hikers to make plenty of noise to let the animals know that they are coming. This means that hikers may not see any wildlife, but it also means that they are safer from attack by a surprised bear or elk. Think of it like “ringing the doorbell” to let the animals know where you are hiking.
The Intruding Stranger Analogy
Imagine a family is sitting in their living room, enjoying a movie or the latest TV program. Suddenly the front door slams open and a complete stranger strides into the house. With barely a glance at the parents, he marches straight across the living room towards the baby playing on the floor. What do the parents do?
Most likely, they jump to their feet and confront this stranger. They won’t let him anywhere near their baby, and they'll want to know who he is and what he’s doing here. Of course, this wouldn’t usually happen. Most people know it’s polite to ring the doorbell when they want to visit.
The Intruding Hiker: An Animal’s Perspective
Now imagine this family is on a trail in the mountains or at their favourite natural area. They're enjoying the sunshine, the birds chirping, the flowers blooming. It’s all wonderful – and it’s someone’s house. The animals who live here consider this family as much an intruder as the stranger who burst into the house without ringing the doorbell.
Just as humans may swing a fist in reaction to being surprised, so do animals. Robin Tawney Nichols, author of Hiking with Kids (Morris Book Publishing, 2007), says, “Most animals will go out of their way to avoid you, but if you surprise them or try to get a closer look, they may take defensive action.” So hikers should give the animals a warning that they are coming, and let the animals decide to either stay and let the hikers pass or move away from the hikers.
Make Some Noise while Hiking
Think of making noise while hiking as ringing the doorbell. Sing, talk, whistle, laugh – just don't hike silently along the trail. Some hikers simply yell “hello” at regular intervals.
Hiking in a group is a great way to ensure that hikers make enough noise. Brian Patton and Bart Robinson, authors of The Canadian Rockies Trail Guide (Summerthought Ltd, 2000), note, “Groups of three or more hikers have far less change of being charged or attacked [by a bear].” There is safety in numbers.
Those hiking alone may feel silly singing or talking, but feeling silly is better than feeling hurt because an elk or a bear didn’t appreciate the intrusion. Stay alert and make lots of noise.
Don’t use bear bells; the quiet, tinkly sound doesn’t communicate anything to the animals. In fact, some animals may be curious about what this sound is and come to check it out. Patton and Robinson add, “Most bear bells are not loud enough to warn bears at a safe distance — unless it’s a Swiss cow bell!”
Biking and Jogging in Natural Areas
Cyclists and joggers travel quickly and quietly, making it very easy to surprise an animal. They should take extra care to make noise, either by travelling in groups or by yelling more often than they would if they were walking.
Unexpected meetings between people and wild animals can be stressful and sometimes dangerous for people and animals. Make noise and don't surprise the animals.
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