Wildlife encounters are one of the many rewards of exploring the great outdoors. There’s nothing quite like the thrill you experience when randomly coming across animals in nature, and typically, the best thing to do is silently observe. Animals have keen senses that most likely have already alerted them of your presence, and if they don’t like what they’re feeling, they’ll run. But there are a few instances in which wildlife encounters can scare us more than it scares them, and it’s important to remain calm and take the appropriate action. Here are a few tips on how to handle encounters with big game wildlife.
Bear
For most people, a bear sighting would be less of a joyous feeling and more of a terrified one, depending on how close the animal is. There is no solid protocol for handling a bear in the wild, as they can all react differently depending on species, location, and a variety of other environmental factors. What you should not do is run, which will make you appear as prey. Many experts recommend making a lot of racket and making yourself appear larger by raising your arms outward. The best way to avoid conflict with a wild bear is to know if you are in bear country in the first place, and be on the lookout for signs that would indicate a bear is in the area, like tracks, scat, and scratch marks on tree trunks.
Wolf
Wolves have an unfairly bad rap as cold-blooded killing machines, but statistics show that wolves will only attack humans in cases of extreme starvation. If they have become acclimated to human activities, especially being fed by humans, the potential for danger only increases. Never feed a wolf, and that includes their young. If you do encounter a wolf, back away slowly while still facing it — do not run away. As with bears, wolves will take running as a sign that it’s time to move in for the kill. If you feel the wolf is getting aggressive, wildlife experts recommend throwing rocks in its direction, as well as making a racket and making yourself appear bigger. Be sure that the wolf has a clear exit, as its aggression will only escalate if it feels trapped.
Elk
Elk are some of the wild’s most majestic creatures, and the opportunity to see one in the wild is a rare occurrence. Elk are social creatures, and chances are very good that if you see one, another is close by. They will likely stare as intently at you as you are at them. However, no matter how serene the setting may seem, do not approach wild elk. This can make them feel trapped, in which case they could decide to charge at you. Give them plenty of space, and a clear exit. If one should become aggressive, your best course of action is to find an obstruction to conceal yourself behind, like a tree, fence, or building. As long as you have a place to hide, running away from an elk is acceptable. If you know you are going to be in elk territory, be especially aware of their mating and calving seasons, as aggressive tendencies will be heightened.
Moose
Perhaps the true king of the wild frontier, the moose is a breathtaking animal to see in the outdoors. Moose are incredibly territorial creatures, however, and will likely not take kindly to a human intruder. While running from a moose is one way to avoid a conflict, you should only run as a last resort. The best thing to do is move away slowly without making any sudden movements until you are at a safe enough distance to run, which is around 100 feet away. Never throw anything at a moose, as it will react aggressively. As with elk, try to find something to hide in or behind until it wanders away. You will know a moose is aggressive if its ears go back and the hair on its hump stands up, much like an angry cat. Stay clear of moose territory during mating and calving seasons if at all possible, and never approach a moose calf, even if it seems to be alone.
