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During the wintertime, avid hikers and wilderness lovers may trek out into the wilds for some fresh air, some nature and some good times. One of things that an ecologically responsible outdoorsperson should do is take care not to disturb wildlife with their recreation. A study released a few years ago called the "Effects of Recreation on Rocky Mountain Wildlife" gives us some guidelines on how to not interfere with animals in their natural habitat. Here are those guidelines:
1. Avoid Elk and Deer
The study suggests that we avoid elk and deer ranges. Hunters know where the deer live. Visit your local sporting goods store that sells hunting equipment. Ask where the deer or elk have been living this winter. Don't go there.
2. Stick to the Trails
Places that have already been trampled by foot or snowmobile traffic are the best places to walk. You can spook animals by walking off the trails and you can also crush vegetation beneath the snow.
3. Leave Your Dog at Home
Wanna freak the wildlife out? Bring your dog. Nothing like introducing an outsider, a sizeable predator at that, to the mix to drive the native animals bonkers. If your dog is very well-behaved and it's on a leash, you can probably get away with taking your dog. Otherwise, your dog might scare off wintering and possibly starving wildlife.
4. Watch for Tracks in the Snow
If you see a lot of animal tracks in an area, avoid spending much time there. Animals need to conserve their energy in order to survive the winter. If you're bugging the creatures, they might expend much-needed energy fleeing from you when they could be fleeing from predators or searching for food.
