Over the past month or so it’s been interesting to note where wildlife observations have been taking place. And human intervention or the lack thereof has had its effects.
Early on the COVID-19 situation was the catalyst that contributed to keeping human contact with wildlife to a minimum. Noticeably, there was a tremendous downturn in vehicular traffic, and wildlife reacted accordingly. The number of road killed animals dramatically declined. However, that trend is changing.
As vehicular traffic picks up, there will be animals, particularly deer, that won’t get the memo. Now more than ever, watching out for wildlife crossing the highways is important, day or night. For several months, wildlife have become accustomed to reduced traffic flow and by nature less alert to traffic whizzing by.
To compound the situation, deer and other wildlife have been in the process of bearing their young. Simply put, it’s beginning to get crowded out there.
Now as campgrounds open, the region will see more folks enjoying the Memorial Day weekend as they reconnect with nature. Add to the mix seeing a bear and her cubs, or a doe with fawns in tow, and it adds to the air of excitement when viewing nature’s annual renewal of wildlife.
Simply put, it is easy to become caught up in the moment. However, times will occur when we need to step back and allow nature to unfold without our “so called” good intentions.
Folks have begun to take advantage of the limited travel and will enjoy outdoor activities. No doubt that will include yummy and aromatic food served outdoors. While picnics are enjoyable, the scent trail reaching a black bear’s nose means one thing — food. And somewhere along the line, a black bear will simply barge right in. So what happens next?
If a black bear does arrive on the scene, simply back off. And by all means don’t encourage the bear by feeding it. Generally the bear(s) will simply walk away once all the goodies are gone.
Keep in mind that feeding bears and elk is illegal. Doing so can be dangerous and not in the best interest of wildlife or man.
The practice of getting into trouble feeding wildlife is not unique to PA and our neighbors to the north in New York State. While visiting in Montana a year or so ago we came across a sign that read, “There is no guarantee of your safety while hiking or camping in bear country.”
The warning was a stark reminder to respect all wildlife and especially bears.
Another occurrence taking place this time of year is the recruitment of newborn wildlife on the landscape.
While some young animals might appear to be abandoned, usually they are not. It’s likely their mothers are watching over them from somewhere nearby. And when this occurs, it is best to leave the little ones alone.
Adult animals often leave their young while they forage for food. In reality, they are not far off. They distinctly remember where they left their young and they will return. Wildlife also often rely on a natural defensive tactic called the “hider strategy.” Young animals will remain motionless and “hide” in the surrounding cover. In the case of fawns, while waiting for the mother to return, they will occasionally stand, stretch, then lay back down.
Deer employ this strategy and when found by a human, the fawn(s) are often assumed to be abandoned when, in fact, their mothers are nearby.
Just the same, it is difficult for humans to simply watch, assume the fawn is OK, and then walk away.
Several years ago, as I looked from our deck down to our garage, I noticed a fawn. The newborn was nestled up against the exposed portion of the foundation of the garage. She was a cutie. My wife and I understood the protocol regarding leaving the little one alone. But after two days, a sense of urgency and concern was brewing. It seemed, at least to us, the doe should have come back by now. But nature does not work on our own personal timetable. The following day the fawn was gone.
A day or so later, we observed a doe with a single fawn passing by the garage. Was it the same fawn that we watched? We couldn’t say for sure. However, chances were good that the fawn was the same short stay visitor that took up residence by our garage.
Currently, there is not a feeding ban with respect to deer. However that could change.
Wildlife that becomes habituated to humans from feeding can pose a public-safety risk. Sure the deer are fun to watch, and besides it’s not hurting anything or illegal. So what’s the problem? Well, two things can occur:
The first is the deer can become accustomed to humans to the point that they lose their fear of them. Wild instincts can be curbed, and when this occurs, animals face increased danger. The second is congregating deer.
There is little doubt Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has become a problem in PA.
In the wild, deer are dispersed on the landscape. However artificial feeding of deer brings them together and increases the chances of spreading disease.
By all means take every opportunity to view and enjoy wildlife. But do so in a safe and respectful manner.
(Charlie Burchfield is an active member and past president of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, an active member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association, Outdoor Writers Assoc. of America and the Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers. Gateway Outdoors e-mail is GWOutdoors@comcast.net)
