Preventing Wildlife Encounters: 3 Essential Safety Tips

1. Stay on designated trails when hiking or mountain biking. Wandering off the trail can disturb wildlife habitats, startle animals, and increase the likelihood of an encounter.

2. Make your presence known when recreating in wildlife areas by talking, singing, or clapping. This will alert animals to your presence and give them time to move away.

3. Do not feed wildlife. Feeding animals can alter their natural behavior and make them more dependent on humans. This can lead to conflicts between animals and people, as well as potential negative impacts on the ecosystem.