01-28-2004, 10:52 PM
Minimize Your Chances for a Negative Wildlife Encounter
Minimize Your Chances for a Negative Wildlife Encounter Arizona Game and Fish Department biologists say that outdoor recreationists and urban dwellers alike can minimize their chance of having a negative wildlife encounter by following some simple steps and precepts.
"People who encourage encounters with wildlife through feeding or approaching too close should know that they are risking their personal safety and the safety of others. By feeding wildlife intentionally or otherwise, people encourage wildlife to interact with humans,” says Randy Babb with the Game and Fish Department.
Here are some tips for minimizing your chances of having a negative wildlife encounter:
- Treat wild animals with respect and maintain a safe distance.
- Do not feed wild animals.
- Keep a clean campsite.
- Dispose of uneaten food properly.
- Keep your pet under control at all times and ensure its vaccinations are current.
- Do not leave pet food outdoors.
- Report bold or aggressive wildlife to the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
- Encourage wild animals to be wild by discouraging their presence in your neighborhood or campsite.
- Do not encourage wildlife to come near you.
- Avoid potentially dangerous wildlife.
Babb says that each year many people become the victims of the irresponsible behavior of others. “Wild animals such as coyotes are quick to associate people with handouts or other benefits, and this often results in a neighbor losing a pet or having their child bitten.”
People often invite wildlife visits unintentionally by leaving food for their pet in their backyards or, when camping, saving dirty dishes for tomorrow’s cleanup. “Most species of wildlife have an excellent sense of smell and easily locate such mistakes. A lapse in vigilance may be costly.
The
fact is that when wild animals become habituated to humans, it can result in the animal being destroyed.
"When animals lose their fear of humans they behave inappropriately and might have to be destroyed to prevent further incidents. People who feed wildlife feel they are being kind to them, when in reality they are killing them with kindness. Habituated animals are responsible for the majority of attacks on humans and pets each year. These animals are as much a victim of the careless actions of people as are the people and pets that are attacked by them,” Babb says.
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Minimize Your Chances for a Negative Wildlife Encounter Arizona Game and Fish Department biologists say that outdoor recreationists and urban dwellers alike can minimize their chance of having a negative wildlife encounter by following some simple steps and precepts.
"People who encourage encounters with wildlife through feeding or approaching too close should know that they are risking their personal safety and the safety of others. By feeding wildlife intentionally or otherwise, people encourage wildlife to interact with humans,” says Randy Babb with the Game and Fish Department.
Here are some tips for minimizing your chances of having a negative wildlife encounter:
- Treat wild animals with respect and maintain a safe distance.
- Do not feed wild animals.
- Keep a clean campsite.
- Dispose of uneaten food properly.
- Keep your pet under control at all times and ensure its vaccinations are current.
- Do not leave pet food outdoors.
- Report bold or aggressive wildlife to the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
- Encourage wild animals to be wild by discouraging their presence in your neighborhood or campsite.
- Do not encourage wildlife to come near you.
- Avoid potentially dangerous wildlife.
Babb says that each year many people become the victims of the irresponsible behavior of others. “Wild animals such as coyotes are quick to associate people with handouts or other benefits, and this often results in a neighbor losing a pet or having their child bitten.”
People often invite wildlife visits unintentionally by leaving food for their pet in their backyards or, when camping, saving dirty dishes for tomorrow’s cleanup. “Most species of wildlife have an excellent sense of smell and easily locate such mistakes. A lapse in vigilance may be costly.
The
fact is that when wild animals become habituated to humans, it can result in the animal being destroyed. "When animals lose their fear of humans they behave inappropriately and might have to be destroyed to prevent further incidents. People who feed wildlife feel they are being kind to them, when in reality they are killing them with kindness. Habituated animals are responsible for the majority of attacks on humans and pets each year. These animals are as much a victim of the careless actions of people as are the people and pets that are attacked by them,” Babb says.
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