TRAGIC Encounters with WILDLIFE in National Parks

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Hello friends, Steve Stockton here with you. Welcome to our
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latest episode. This time we bring you wildlife encounters in
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national parks. Now, seeing wildlife in national parks is compelling,
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but it is important to remember that they are wild
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and can be dangerous to provoked. Visitors are responsible for
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their own safety and the animal safety too. In this episode,
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we'll explore some potential wildlife encounters international parks. Join me,
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let's walk and say First up, the American Bison. Now,
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bison are not just to America's largest land mammal, they
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are also an integral part of American history, embodying the
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strong and resilient characteristics of the American people. That is
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why they were declared our National mammal in twenty sixteen.
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At one point, bison numbered thirty million and were found
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all over the United States as well as in Canada
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and Mexico. However, they were hunted to near extinction, leaving
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only a few hundred by the eighteen seventies. With ongoing
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conservation efforts, they're currently nineteen herds in twelve states across
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the American plaiance. No other wildlife species has had as
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much impact on humans and the ecosystems they occupied as bison.
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Bison are known to move around in response to changing
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environmental conditions, including drought and deep snows that can make
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it challenging to find food and water, as well as
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threats like hunting, predation, severe weather, and biding insects. In
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addition to movement, bison also exhibit other behaviors such as horning,
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which involves rubbing their horns on objects like trees and shrubs,
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and wallowing, where they roll in dry, loose ground or
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use their hoops to create wallows in which they can roll.
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These behaviors help bison avoid biting insects and display aggressive behaviors.
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Yellowstone National Park is home to bison and that freely
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roamed the area. Visitors should be aware that getting too
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close to these massive herbivores can cause injuries or even fatalities.
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Despite warnings and guidelines, some visitors underestimate bison's agility and speed,
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approach them too closely for a photograph, or ignore safety
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precautions altogether. It is essential to be mindful of potential
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danger and respect the animal's space to avoid harm. According
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to the National Park Service, bison are responsible for injuring
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more people than any other animal in Yellowstone National Park.
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They're known for being un predictable and can run three
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times faster than humans. Always maintain a safe distance of
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at least twenty five yards when near bison is vital
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to give them space. Where the you're near a campsite, trail, boardwalk,
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parking area, or developed area. If necessary, you should turn
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around and avoid interaction with him. Approaching bison can be
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threatening and may cause them to bluff, charge, bob their
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heads path the ground, bellow, or snort. These warning signs
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indicate you're too close and a charge may be imminent.
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If the animal follows you, use bear spray as you
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move away. Research shows that most bison attacks occur during
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June and July. In July twenty twenty three, a forty
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seven year old woman from Phoenix, Arizona, sustains significant injuries
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to her chest and abdomen when a bison gorder at
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Yellowstone National Park. According to The New York Times, the
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woman was walking with another person in front of a
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lodging on the north shore of Yostone Lake when they
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encountered to bison. The women turned to walk away, but
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the National Park Service said one of the bison charged.
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Also in July of twenty twenty three, another woman was
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seriously injured by bison while hiking at Theodore Roosevelt National Park,
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according to park officials. Park officials reported she was in
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serious but stable condition after suffering significant injuries to her
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abdomen and foot. According to CBS News, in June twenty
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twenty two, a bull bison going to thirty four year
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old man after he moved too close. National Park Service
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officials said weeks earlier, a bison had flung a twenty
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five year old women ten feet into the air after
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she came within ten feet of the animal. In twenty nineteen,
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a nine year old girl was sent airborne from a
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bison's headbut that was captured on video and shared on
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social media. National Park Service officials said that the girl
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was part of a group that stood within five to
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ten feet of the bison for at least twenty minutes.
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Next up, rattlesnakes. Encounters with rattlesnakes pose a significant risk
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in national parks, as these venomous reptiles can turn and
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leisurely hike into a life threatening situation. Their habitats often
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overlap with popular hiking trails and camping areas, making the
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risk of human snake interactions inevitable. These stealthy predators blend
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seamlessly into their surroundings, making them difficult to spot even
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for the most vigilant park visitors. Rattlesnakes possess a venomous
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bite that serves both for hunting prey and defending against
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potential threats. While fatalities from rattlesnake bites are relatively rare,
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the consequences can be severe. The venom causes tissue damage,
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intense pain, swelling, and in some cases, systemic effects such
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as nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Immediate medical attention is
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usial to minimize the impact of a rattlesnake bite. One
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of the most challenging aspects of dealing with rattlesnakes is
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their unpredictable behavior. While some snakes may give warning signs
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for their characteristic rattling sound, others may strike without any
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prior indication. Factors such as temperature, time and day, and
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the snake's mood can influence its behavior, adding an extra
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layer of uncertainty from suspecting park visitors. Encounters between humans
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and rattlesnakes can lead to conflict, as fear and panic
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may drive individuals to take unnecessary risk to attempt to
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handle the snake. Disturbing or provoking a rattlesnake increases the
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likelihood of a defensive bite, escalating the danger for both
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parties involved. Rattlesnake bites usually happen when humans try to
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harm or capture them. Now it's important to note that
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rattlesnakes can strike accurately at a distance of up to
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one third of their body length. About twenty five percent
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rattlesnake bites are dry, meaning no venom was injected. Although
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rattlesnake bites are rare, they do require immediate medical attention
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when they happen. National Park officials prioritize public safety by
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implementing measures such as informative signage, educational programs, and snake
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bite first aid training. If a rattlesnake bites you, staying
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calm and seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. If possible,
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Gently clean the bite area with soap and water, and
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remove any tight jewelry like rings or watches that could
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increase swelling. Keep the affected area immobilized and below the
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level of the heart. Taking a picture of the snake
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can help medical professionals determine the necessary action. On August
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twenty seven, twenty twenty, the Alsemite Emergency Communications Center received
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a notification from a National Emergency Coordinating Center about a
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backpacker in the Glenallan area. According to USA Today, the
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backpacker is their satellite messenger device on behalf of another
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hiker requesting assistance for a quote snake emergency end quote.
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According to the National Park Service, USA Today reported that
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the previous day, around two thirty pm, another hiker, a
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barefoot man in his mid thirties, was bitten by a
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rattlesnake while fishing in the Grand Canyon of the two alumni.
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The man stepped onto a rock, causing it to shift
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under his weight, which alerted at rattlesnake hiding beneath the rock,
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and the snake bit him on his left foot. USA
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Today said the individual was backpacking with his wife when
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they attempted to hike together to get help. However, he
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soon realized he was unable to continue walking. His wife
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saved their location on her phone and later reported the
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coordinates to the park rescuers, which helped the responding California
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Highway Patrol helicopters locate him quickly. According to USA Today,
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while the man's wife went hiking for help, another backpacker
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stayed with him until help arrived. After being airlifted to
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the park's hellabase at Crane Flat, the man was transferred
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to an ambulance. USA Today sent a paramedic team treated
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him for dehydration, nausea, and pain. He was then taken
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to an air ambulance, which flew him to a hospital
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in Modesto. The individual received two doses of antivenum and
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was expected to be discharged the following day. Park officials said, next,
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we have mountain lions now. The mountain lion is a
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majestic feline species native to the Americas, known by several
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names such as cougar, puma, or catamount. It can be
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found in national parks from California to Texas. The mountain
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lion is a solitary and elucid predator that has fascinated
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the imagination for centuries. Still, its presence in national parks
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has recently sparked debates about its potential dangers to wildlife
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and park visitors. Mountain lions date back thousands of years.
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These magnificent cats playing a significant role in the folklore
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and mythology of indigenous cultures across the Americas. Revered as
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symbols of power, agility, and mynstery, Mountain lions were often
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portrayed as spiritual beings, guardians, or tricksters. Mountain lions are
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carnivores that mainly prey on deer and eat small animals
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like porcupines, rabbits, squirrel marmots, and skunks. Indigenous people recognize
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these apex predators important role in maintaining ecosystem balance. The
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growth of recreational activities within national parks poses new challenges
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for wildlife management authorities and visitors. Instances of mountain lion
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attacks on humans are uncommon, However, when they do occur,
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the outcomes can be severe. The National Park Service suggests
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following these safety tips. Do not approach a mountain lion.
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Mountain lions will typically avoid confrontation and fleet when given
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an escape route. Do not run from a out in line,
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as it may elicit its instinct to pursue. Instead, stand
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and face it while maintaining eye contact. If you have
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small children with you, try to pick them up so
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they don't pat it and run away. While doing so,
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avoid bending over or turning away from the mountain lion,
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even if it feels awkward. This will help you appear
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it larger and more intimidating, reducing the chances of an attack.
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It's not advisable to crouch down or bend over, as
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a human standing upright is not the ideal shape for
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a big cat's prey. On the other hand, a person
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whose squats or bends over appears like a four legged animal,
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which may attract a mountain lion. If you come across
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a mountain line, make yourself look larger to avoid being attacked.
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You can do this by raising your arms and even
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opening your jacket if you're wearing one. Again, be sure
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to pick up any small children with you and throw stones, branches,
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or any other objects you can find without bending down
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or turning your back. The ultimate goal is to convince
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the mountain lion that you are not easy prey or
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that you pose a threat to it. If you are attacked,
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it is vital to fight back. In southern California, a
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hiker was able to protect his sun from a mountain
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lion attack by using a rock to defend himself. Other
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people have also been able to successfully fend off mountain
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lions using items such as sticks, caps, jackets, garden tools,
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and even their bare hands. As mountain lions typically try
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to bite their victims head or neck, it is recommended
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that you remain standing and face the animal during an attack.
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If you spot a mountain lion, immediately report it to
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a park ranger. According to the Los Angeles Times, in
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July twenty twenty three, an eight year old boy survived
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to WoT National Park officials called an extraordinarily rare mountain
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lion attack and Olympic National Park, leading to camper evaluations
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and several trail closures as experts search for the animal.
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Park officials received reports that a child had been attacked
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by a mountain lion while camping with his mother at
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Lake Angels in the Heart of the Hills area. The
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cougar casually abandoned its attack after being yelled and screamed
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at by the child's mother. Park officials said the child
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sustained minor injuries. It was taken to a nearby hospital
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for medical attention. According to the Los Angeles Times. In
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September twenty twenty two, a woman survived a mountain lion
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attack while trail running with a friend on the pipeline
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trail in Mill Creek Canyon. According to the Salt Lake Tribune,
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as the mountain lion approached, the woman closest to it
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attempted to retreat, but the animal pounced on her. She
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lost her footing and fell backward, and the big cat
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scratched her, causing two puncture wounds on her right leg.
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According to Faith Jolly, a spokesperson for the Utah Division
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of Wildlife Resources, the other runner hit the big cat
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with a rock and the two women were able to
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get away and hike down the trail together. The pair
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then called nine to one one. First responders examined them
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woman's wounds, and then her friend took her to a
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nearby hospital. According to spokesperst and Jolly, the woman was
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in stable condition and her wounds were not life threatening.
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Next up, Sharks, the apex predators of the world's oceans,
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have roamed the Earth for over four hundred million years.
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These magnificent creatures have evolved into a diverse group, with
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over five hundred species ranging in size from the small
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dwarf lantern shark to the mighty oil shark. Despite their
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awe inspiring presence and crucial role in marine ecosystems, sharks
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often find themselves at the center of controversy, especially when
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it comes to their interactions with humans in national parks.
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While shark attacks are rare, certain national parks along coastlines,
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such as Everglades National Park, are home to these majestic
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but potentially dangerous creatures. Swimmers and surfers should heed warnings
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and take necessary precautions. The National Park Service says swimming
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and snorkeling are prohibited in all canals, ponds, lakes, and
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boat basins within Everglades National Park. If you do find
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yourself swimming in an area prone to sharks, stay close
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to the shore, swim, paddle, and surf in groups. Avoid
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places where there are seals or schooling fish. Avoid murky
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or low visibility water. Avoid wearing shiny jewelry, limit splashing,
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Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk when the lighting is low.
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Add adhere to all signage at beaches, and follow lifeguard instructions.
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In June twenty twenty three, a visitor to Everglades National
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Park reported being bitten while washing sands in the water
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in Florida Bay, the National Park Service said in a statement.
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The park ranger who treated the man said the injury
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was consistent with a shark bite. According to officials, these
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attacks are extremely uncommon for Everglades National Park. The individual
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was treated by a ranger and taken to an area hospital.
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A report by ABC News stated that a video of
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the shark attack was shared on some social media. The
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National Park Service verified that the video captured the reported incident.
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The video shows the shark jumping out of the water
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and biting the fisherman's hand. After the attack, the shark
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drags the man into the water, but other fishermen quickly
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pull him back onto the boat. On October one, twenty
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twenty three, the National Park Service said fifty two eu
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old Felix Najai was swimming with friends off Wildcat Beach
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at Point Raised National Seashore when he went missing. His
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friends told officials that a shark was seen in the area,
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along with blood in the water where Felix vanished. An
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extensive search for the US Coastguard, Marin County Sheriff's Office,
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Wren County Fire Department, and Stenson Beach Fire Department found
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no signs of felix. National Park officials said he was
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presumed deceased. Next up bears. Bears have a long and
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fascinating evolutionary history, dating back millions of years. The modern
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bear family comprises a eat species, each with unique adaptations
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to their specific environments. Over time, these creatures have developed
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diverse characteristics to survive and thrive in different ecosystems. In
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ancient civilizations, bears were often revered as symbols of strength, courage,
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and wisdom. Many Native American tribes considered bear sacred and
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incorporated them into their folklore and spiritual practices. Similarly, in
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European cultures, bears were prominent figures in myths and legends,
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often representing both the power of nature and the unknown wilderness.
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Bears are essential for the health and balance of their ecosystems,
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hence they are considered keystone species. They play a vital
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role in dispersing seeds, which increases plant diversity and regulates
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prey populations. Due to their omnivorous diet, bears impact both
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plant and animal communities, shaping the landscape in ways that
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contribute to overall biodiversity. Now, national parks provide a haven
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for wildlife, but the presence of both bears and humans
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in these protected areas has created challenges. With more humans
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venturing into national parks, there's an increased likelihood of human
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bearer confrontations, raising concerns about the safety of both species.
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Bears are territorial animals and may become hostile if they
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feel threatened or sense of potential food source. The National
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Park Service recommends several practices to ensure safety in bear country.
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One of the most important of these is to never
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hike alone. Instead, it is recommended that you're hiking groups
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of three or more and talk while hiking. Is also
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vital to carry bear spray and never leave your pack unattended.
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Bears that come across human food and packs can become
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habituated to it and become problematic in the future. Stay on,
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maintain trails. Research conducted in Yellowstone National Park found that
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people are more likely to have bear encounters when they
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venture off trail, so all food and items of the
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food like smell away from your tent. According to the
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US Department of Agriculture, cooking and keeping food at least
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one hundred yards away from your tent is recommended. If
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you encounter a bear unexpectedly and surprise it. Remain calm
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and back away slowly by avoiding direct eye contact. Running
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from a surprise bear may trigger a predatory reaction, so
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it's best to avoid running all together. Similarly, climbing a
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tree is not recommended, as bears are excellent climbers. Speak
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slowly and calming to the bear while slowly waving your
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arms to show that you are a human and not prey.
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If you have small children or pets with you, pick
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them up immediately keep an eye on the bear as
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you leave the area. Bluff charges are attacked accused by
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bears to scare intimidate. To bluff charge, a bear will
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raise its head and ears forward and puff up to
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appear more prominent. Then it will bound towards you on
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its front paws and giant leaps, but usually stop short
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or veer off to one side. It's common for bears
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to retreat after a bluff charge, or they may make
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loud vocalizations. It's important to remember that aggressive bear charges
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can be very dangerous. If you see a bear yawning,
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clacking its teeth, pounding its front paws on the ground,
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and huffing, these are clear warning signs. These behaviors indicate
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that the bear is stressed and may be preparing to attack.
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It will have its head down, ears pointed back, and
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it may charge at you with full force. Be ready
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to defend yourself and take precautions to protect yourself from harm.
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If a black bear charge is at you, it's crucial
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to fight back. Do not play dead. Directly, punch and
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kick at the bear's face, and use any weapons you
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can find, such as rocks, branches, or bear spray to
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defend yourself. If a grizzly or brown bear charges you
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and attacks, the best action is to play dead. Do
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not attempt to fight back. Instead, over your head and
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neck with your arms and hands, lie flat on your stomach,
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and spread your legs apart. Keep your pack on as
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it can help protect you during the attack. Wait for
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several minutes until you're sure that the bear is gone.
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It's important to note that fighting back during an attack
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from a grizzly or a brown bear will usually worsen
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the attack, but if it persists, fight back with everything
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you have. According to Emily E. Smith of Smithsonian Magazine
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on August twelve, nineteen sixty seven two nineteen year olds
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Julie Hegelson and Michelle Coons were on separate overnight backpacking
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trips in Glacier National Park. Smith said both women worked
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in one of the park's lodges for the summer. Smith
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said Julie and her friend Roy Doukat hiked the high
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line trail from Logan Pass for approximately eight miles till
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they reached the Granite Park chalet. They ate, packed meals,
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watched the sunset, and went to bed around seven pm.
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According to Smith, the grizzly bear approached the campers shortly
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after midnight. Julie saw the bear and woke Roy, advising
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him to play dead. The grizzly knocked him out of
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their sleeping bags and attacked him, biting each of them.
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The bear then dragged Julie about a hundred yards away
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and focused on her some one helpless. She screamed Roy,
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his arm badly injured, ran to wake up other campers
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near by. Smith said a helicopter arrived shortly after with
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medical supplies, but a ranger who feared putting more visitors
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at risk, held up the search party. Nearly two hours
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passed before the searchers went to rescue Julie Roy was
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taken to an area hospital. A ranger with a rifle
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in the search group ballowed a blood trail downhill from
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the campsite. Psmith said they found Julie face down not
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far away. A doctor staying at the chalet rushed to her,
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aid it hurts. Julie said multiple times. The group carried
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her back to the chalet for a helicopter would arrive
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to take her to an area hospital. She reached the
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chalet by three forty five a m. But sadly passed
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away before making it to the hospital. Smith said that
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as Julie and Roy left for their hike, Michelle Coons
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joined four other park employees on an eight mile expedition
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to Trout Lake. A grizzly stumbled upon their campsite around
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eight pm. As they cooked dinner. The campers ran away
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and waited as the bear ate their food, and soon
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sped away with one of their backpacks. When it was safe,
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the party hauled their gear to the beach. They built
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a fire and got into their sleeping bags. Smith writes
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around at four thirty am, the grizzly returned to Michelle's campsite.
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It sniffed around bit into one of the young men's
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sleeping bags and clawed his sweatshirt. The campers climbed up
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trees and yelled from Michelle to join them, but before
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she could, the bear tore into her sleeping bag and
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began dragging her away. He's got my arm off. The
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others heard her yell, Oh God, I'm dead, she screamed.
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The party stayed in the trees for about an hour
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and a half before running down the trail to the
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closest stranger station. Smith Yuth reported the rangers, Leonard Landa
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and Burt Gildart, knew Julie's incident hours before they went
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to sleep. Gildart responded to calls for help over the
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radio and dispatched emergency responders, while Landa stayed awake monitoring
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the radio. Both men were informed of the mauling later
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that morning. Smith said Landa and Gildart were sent to
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search for Michelle. Landa left first with some of Michelle's
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fellow hikers, and Gildart soon joined them. We were all
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a little spooked by this time. Gildart said, here's a
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bear that's pulled a girl out of her sleeping bag.
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What kind of a creature? Is this. Julie was located
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and there lifted out of the area by helicopter, but
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sadly she did not survive. Smith said the day after
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the attacks, Gildart and Landa were sent to look for
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the bear at Trout Lake. Gildart saw it at four
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am when he stepped outside of the patrol cabin where
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the men were spending the night. He called for Landa
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to bring a weapon. Within minutes, the bear charged with
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him and both men fired, eradicating it. Smith said Glacier
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National Park implemented a strict pack in pack out policy
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after the attacks. Dumps were eliminated and visitors were ticketed
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for feeding bears or having messy campsites. When grizzlies were
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spotted on trails, those areas were closed until the bears
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00:25:18.000 --> 00:25:21.759
moved on. The park posted warnings and tips on bear safety,
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enforced rules for food storage, and installed bear proof trash cans.
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Smith also said that the park created an off the
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ground storage system for backcountry campers and a permint system
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that limited the number of campers in the back country,
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00:25:36.279 --> 00:25:42.920
requiring them to sleep in designated campsites far from cooking areas. Next,
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we have crocodiles and alligators. Now, crocodiles and alligators belonged
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to a group of reptiles known as crocodilians, the largest
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living reptiles. They reside in Everglades National Park, Coastal Park
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units in Georgia and South Carolina, and throughout the Gulf
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Coast States. Of the twenty three different species of crocodilians
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in the world, only two are native to the United States,
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and both of these species coexist only in South Florida.
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The American alligator is found throughout the southeastern United States,
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while American crocodiles live in the coastal areas of South Florida.
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The American crocodile is lizard like with a long tail
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and four short legs. Their narrow snout is triangular, with
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movable skin flaps to protect their ears. Males can reach
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up to twenty feet long, while females are usually eight
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to twelve feet long. Alligators are more abundant in Florida
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than crocodiles. They're darker in color and have a broader snout.
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Alligators are typically found in freshwater habitats. Now crocodiles are
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rare and secretive creatures that inhabit coastal brackish and salt
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water habitats. Crocodiles inhabiting the Everglades rarely conflict with humans.
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Both alligators and crocodiles are ectothermic, meaning they rely on
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external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. They do
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this by basking in the sun or moving to an
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area with warmer or cooler water. A basking crocodile may
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be surprised by an approaching person and quickly and noisily
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enter the water. This behavior might startle the person, but
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it should not be misunderstood. Crocodiles normally enter the water quietly.
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Splashing away indicates that the crocodile is frightened and feeling stressed.
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Crocodiles sometimes can be seen running with their mouths open.
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This behavior is a way of regulating body temperature and
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does not mean that the crocodile is acting aggressively toward people. Necessarily,
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if you encounter an animal hissing, it indicates that you're
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too close to it, regardless of whether it's within fifteen
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feet or farther away. Alligators and crocodiles are more active
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at night, intend to do most of their hunting from
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dust to dawn. Although they may appear like statues, sometimes
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they are alert, living creatures and can act quickly. Touching
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00:28:01.759 --> 00:28:05.559
an alligator is never a good idea. Feeding or harassing
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an animal, including throwing objects at it, is considered a
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criminal offense that carries a fine. Any action that disrupts
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the natural behavior of an animal is considered harassment. In
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January twenty twenty, an eighteen year old college student on
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an excursion with a professor at Everglades National Park was
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bitten by an alligator. According to CBS News, the student
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was swimming or waiting in the water at a location
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known as the Movie Dome near the Paheoki Trail when
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she was bitten in the leg. Park official said. The
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young woman suffered two punctured wounds to her leg and
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refused to be transported by Miami Dade Fire Rescue as
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she wanted to transport herself. The likelihood of being seriously
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injured during an unprovoked alligator attack incident in Florida is
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roughly only one in three point one million, according to
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the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Now we have
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elk Elker, iconic symbols of Native Americ and wildlife known
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for their impressive antlers, regal stature, and distinctive bugling calls
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during the mating season, Elk have become a central attraction
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for nature enthusiasts in national parks. Witnessing these creatures in
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their natural habitat is undoubtedly a thrilling experience, posturing a
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deeper connection between humans and the natural world. While the
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allure of getting up and close and personal with elk
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is undeniable, such encounters do pose significant risk to both
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visitors and the animals themselves. Elk or wild creatures with
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unpredictable behaviors, especially during certain times of the year, such
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as the rutting season when males are more territorial and aggressive,
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Approaching elk too closely can trigger defensive reactions, leading to
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potential human injuries and undue stress for the animals. Injuries
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caused by oak encounters can range from minor bruises to
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00:29:50.799 --> 00:29:54.680
severe trauma, highlighting the importance of maintaining a safe distance
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of at least twenty five yards. If an elk charges
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get away, retreat a shelter in a building or vehicle,
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or behind a tall, sturdy barrier as quickly as possible.
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According to the Washington Post. On June three, twenty eighteen,
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fifty one year old Yellowstone National Park employee Charlene Triplet
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00:30:13.480 --> 00:30:15.799
was about twenty feet away from an elk that was
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00:30:15.839 --> 00:30:19.440
defending her calf when she was attacked. The elk reportedly
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00:30:19.559 --> 00:30:22.079
reared up and kicked miss Triplet multiple times, with its
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front legs, hitting her head, torso, and back. The National
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00:30:25.400 --> 00:30:29.119
Park Service set in a statement, Charlene's injuries were severe
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00:30:29.440 --> 00:30:31.640
and she was flown to the Trauma Center at Eastern
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Idaho Regional Medical Center, according to The Washington Post. And lastly, moose,
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the most prominent members of the deer family, are renowned
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00:30:42.960 --> 00:30:48.519
for their impressive size, formittable antlers, and seemingly noscile behavior. However,
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00:30:48.920 --> 00:30:52.000
despite their gentle appearance, moose are wild animals with an
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00:30:52.039 --> 00:30:56.400
unpredictable nature. In national parks, where they roam freely, it's
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essential to comprehend their habits and characteristics everyone's safety. Unpredictable
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00:31:02.559 --> 00:31:07.000
charges and aggressive displays are not uncommon, leading to potential injuries.
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00:31:07.480 --> 00:31:10.200
Will The most notable dangers of moose encounters as their
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00:31:10.279 --> 00:31:15.920
territorial nature, particularly during the breeding season. Bull moose in particular,
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00:31:16.319 --> 00:31:19.799
can become highly aggressive when defending their territory or pursuing
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00:31:19.799 --> 00:31:24.119
a mate. Additionally, cow moose can fiercely protect their calves,
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00:31:24.480 --> 00:31:27.680
posing a threat to anyone perceived as a potential threat.
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00:31:28.359 --> 00:31:31.039
It's vital to keep a safe distance when viewing moose.
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00:31:31.920 --> 00:31:36.079
Female moose, especially those with calves, can be very protective
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00:31:36.079 --> 00:31:39.720
and defensive. During the summer, moose can easily blend into
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their surroundings, making them difficult to spot despite their large size.
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00:31:44.640 --> 00:31:47.240
They may also stand their ground even when they hear
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00:31:47.279 --> 00:31:52.319
people approaching. Therefore, paying close attention to your surroundings is crucial,
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00:31:52.640 --> 00:31:55.720
especially in areas where moose are commonly found, such as
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00:31:55.799 --> 00:31:59.519
willow thickets, or near streams and ponds. If you do
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00:31:59.720 --> 00:32:01.799
some upon a most that has yet to detect you,
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00:32:02.200 --> 00:32:05.359
keep it that way, Talk to it softly, and move
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00:32:05.400 --> 00:32:08.519
away slowly, as if it knows you're there. Do not
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00:32:08.680 --> 00:32:11.759
be aggressive. You want to convince the most that you
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00:32:11.799 --> 00:32:14.359
are not a threat. If you think the most will
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00:32:14.440 --> 00:32:17.759
charge you, run away or take cover behind something solid,
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00:32:17.960 --> 00:32:21.160
like a tree. If you do come across a mouse
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00:32:21.240 --> 00:32:23.519
and its ears are laid back and the long hairs
509
00:32:23.559 --> 00:32:26.079
on its humper raised, it's a sign that it might
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00:32:26.200 --> 00:32:30.039
charge you. A mouse's charge is usually a warning, and
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00:32:30.119 --> 00:32:34.119
you should take it very seriously. When a mosse bluff charges,
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00:32:34.359 --> 00:32:38.880
it is already agitated. If a most charges run away,
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00:32:39.559 --> 00:32:42.640
they usually will not chase you. If they do, they
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00:32:42.680 --> 00:32:46.279
will unlikely pursue you very far. If you can outrun,
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00:32:46.559 --> 00:32:49.920
get behind something solid, like a large rock or a tree.
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00:32:50.400 --> 00:32:53.000
If a moose knocks you down, curl up in a ball,
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00:32:53.279 --> 00:32:56.160
protect your head with your arms, and keep still. Fighting
518
00:32:56.240 --> 00:32:58.400
back will only convince the most that you may still
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00:32:58.400 --> 00:33:01.119
be a threat. Only move once the moose is backed
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00:33:01.119 --> 00:33:03.880
off to a safe distance, or it may renew its attack.
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00:33:04.599 --> 00:33:07.079
You can help keep yourself and the moose safe by
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00:33:07.119 --> 00:33:11.640
respecting their space and habitat. According to Yahoo Life, a
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00:33:11.640 --> 00:33:15.039
couple visiting Glacier National Park in September twenty twenty three
524
00:33:15.240 --> 00:33:17.519
were frightened after getting too close to a bull moose.
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00:33:17.920 --> 00:33:19.920
The pair were taking photos of the moose by a
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00:33:20.000 --> 00:33:23.000
lake when he spotted them and charged, driving them back.
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00:33:23.440 --> 00:33:27.400
The incident was recorded by another visitor, Liz Chang, who
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00:33:27.480 --> 00:33:30.599
was on the opposite bank. The moose are in their
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00:33:30.680 --> 00:33:33.200
rut right now, and that bull have been running around
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00:33:33.240 --> 00:33:35.480
for a couple minutes trying to chase away a baby
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00:33:35.599 --> 00:33:40.799
so he could date to mama, Chang said in conclusion,
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00:33:41.920 --> 00:33:45.640
when exploring nature is crucial to remember that animals play
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00:33:45.680 --> 00:33:49.279
a significant role in the delicate ecosystems we aim to preserve.
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00:33:50.119 --> 00:33:53.519
These wild animals can be unpredictable, and something as simple
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00:33:53.720 --> 00:33:56.160
as a new scent or sound could cause them to
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00:33:56.240 --> 00:34:00.000
run or even charge. To assure both your safety and there,
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00:34:00.680 --> 00:34:04.240
each national park has specific guidelines for visitors concerning the
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00:34:04.319 --> 00:34:08.480
distance they must maintain from animals. The guidelines suggesting at
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00:34:08.599 --> 00:34:11.480
least twenty five yards away from most animals and one
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00:34:11.519 --> 00:34:15.840
hundred yards away from larger wildlife such as bears. However,
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00:34:16.199 --> 00:34:19.000
please check with a specific park you're visiting, as some
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00:34:19.119 --> 00:34:23.880
require maintaining a minimum distance of fifty yards. Always remember
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00:34:24.119 --> 00:34:28.199
it's your responsibility to maintain the recommended distance and follow
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00:34:28.280 --> 00:34:31.519
any additional park specific guidelines to ensure a safe and
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00:34:31.599 --> 00:34:36.400
enjoyable experience for you and the wildlife. By respecting these animals,
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00:34:36.719 --> 00:34:40.599
adhering to park guidelines, and remaining vigilant, we can ensure
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00:34:40.639 --> 00:34:44.079
a safer and unforgettable experience for all who venture into
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00:34:44.119 --> 00:34:49.199
the wilderness. Well, friends, there you have it. What do
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00:34:49.239 --> 00:34:52.320
you think of these creatures in the wilderness. I look
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00:34:52.360 --> 00:34:55.440
forward to your comments, but please keep it friendly and
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00:34:55.559 --> 00:34:59.559
respectful until we meet again. Be good to yourselves and
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00:34:59.639 --> 00:35:02.320
each other there. Stay safe out there in the wild.
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00:35:03.800 --> 00:35:06.119
That's for me. I'll see you a little further on
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00:35:06.159 --> 00:35:09.719
down the trail. I'm Steve Stockton, and i'll talk to
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00:35:09.760 --> 00:35:14.039
you next time. And please tell your animals, I said
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00:35:14.119 --> 00:36:03.360
him as a