Dangerous Wildlife Encounters!

Join Steve as he looks at some DANGEROUS WILDLIFE!

Written by Nicole Stockton.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/steve-stockton-s-among-the-missing--5858804/support.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Hello friends, Steve Stockton here withyou. Welcome to our latest episode.
This time we bring you wildlife encountersin National parks. Now, seeing wildlife
in national parks is compelling, butit is important to remember that they are
wild and can be dangerous to provoked. Visitors are responsible for their own safety

(00:24):
and the animals safety too. Inthis episode, we'll explore some potential wildlife
encounters in our national parks. Joinme, let's walk and see. First
off, the American bison. Now, bison are not just America's largest land

(00:46):
mammal, they're also an integral partof American history, embodying the strong and
resilient characteristics of the American people.That is why they were declared our National
mammal in twenty sixteen. At onepoint, bison numbered thirty million and were
found all over the United States aswell as in Canada and Mexico. However,

(01:07):
they were hunted to near extinction,leaving only a few hundred by the
eighteen seventies. With ongoing conservation efforts, they're currently nineteen herds in twelve states
across the americ complaints, no otherwildlife species has had as much impact on
humans and the ecosystems they occupied asbison. Bison are known to move around

(01:30):
in response to changing environmental conditions,including drought and deep snows that can make
it challenging to find food and water, as well as threats like hunting,
predation, severe weather, and bitinginsects. In addition to movement, mysin
also exhibit other behaviors such as horning, which involves rubbing their horns on objects
like trees and shrubs, and wallowing, where they roll in dry, loose

(01:55):
ground or use their hopes to createwalls in which they can roll. These
behaviors help bison avoid biding insects anddisplay aggressive behaviors. Yellowstone National Park is
home to bison, and they're freelyroamed the area. Visitors should be aware
that getting too close to these massiveherbivores can cause injuries or even fatalities.

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Despite warnings and guidelines, some visitorsunderestimate bison's agility and speed, approach them
too closely for a photograph, orignore safety precautions altogether. It is essential
to be mindful of potential danger andrespect the animal's space to avoid harm.
According to the National Park Service,bison are responsible for injuring more people than

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any other animal in Yellowstone National Park. They're known for being unpredictable and can
run three times faster than humans.Always maintain a safe distance of at least
twenty five yards when near bison isvital to give them space. Where the
you're near a campsite, trail,boardwalk, parking area, or develop dare,

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If necessary, you should turn aroundand avoid interaction with him. Approaching
bison can be threatening and may causethem to bluff, charge, bob their
heads path the ground, bellow,or snort. These warning signs indicate you're
too close and a charge may beimminent. If the animal follows you,

(03:21):
use bear spray as you move away. Research shows that most bison attacks occur
during June and July. In Julytwenty twenty three, a forty seven year
old woman from Phoenix, Arizona,sustained significant injuries to her chest and abdomen
when a bison gorder at Yellowstone NationalPark. According to The New York Times,

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the woman was walking with another personin front of a lodging on the
north shore of Yeostone Lake when theyencountered to bison. The women turned to
walk away, but the National ParkService said one of the bison charged.
Also in July of twenty twenty three, another woman was seriously injured by bison
while hiking at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, according to park officials. Park officials

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reported she was in serious but stablecondition after suffering significant injuries to abdomen and
foot. According to CBS News,in June twenty twenty two, a bull
bison going to thirty four year oldman after he moved too close. National
Park Service officials said weeks earlier,a bison had flung a twenty five year

(04:26):
old women ten feet into the airafter she came within ten feet of the
animal. In twenty nineteen, anine year old girl was sent airborne from
a bison's headbut that was captured onvideo and shared on social media. National
Park Service officials said that the girlwas part of a group that stood within
five to ten feet of the bisonfor at least twenty minutes. Next up,

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rattlesnakes. Encounters with rattlesnakes pose asignificant risk in national parks, as
these venomous reptiles can turn a leisurelyhike into life threatening situation. Their habitats
often overlap with popular hiking trails andcamping areas, making the risk of human
snake interactions inevitable. These stealthy predatorsblend seamlessly into their surroundings, making them

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difficult to spot even for the mostvigilant part visitors. Rattlesnakes possess a venomous
bite that serves both for hunting preyand defending against potential threats. While fatalities
from rattlesnake bites are relatively rare,the consequences can be severe. The venom
causes tissue damage, intense pain,swelling, and in some cases, systemic

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effects such as nausea, dizziness,and difficulty breathing. Immediate medical attention is
crucial to minimize the impact of arattlesnake bite. One of the most challenging
aspects of dealing with rattlesnakes is theirunpredictable behavior. While some snakes may give
warning signs for their characteristic rattling sound, may strike without any prior indication.

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Factors such as temperature, time andday, and the snake's mood can influence
its behavior, adding an extra layerof uncertainty from suspecting park visitors. Encounters
between humans and rattlesnakes can lead toconflict, as fear and panic may drive
individuals to take unnecessary risk to attemptto handle the snake. Disturbing or provoking

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a rattlesnake increases the likelihood of adefensive bite, escalating the danger for both
parties involved. Rattlesnake bites usually happenwhen humans try to harm or capture them.
Now it's important to note that rattlesnakescan strike accurately at a distance of
up to one third of their bodylength. About twenty five percent of rattlesnake

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bites are dry, meaning no venomwas injected. Although rattlesnake bites are rare,
they do require immediate medical attention whenthey happen. National Park officials prioritize
public safety by implementing measure ures suchas informative signage, educational programs at snake
bite first aid training. If arattlesnake bites you, staying calm and seeking

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immediate medical attention is crucial. Ifpossible, Gently clean the bite area with
soap and water and remove any tightjewelry like rings or watches that could increase
swelling. Keep the affected area immobilizedand below the level of the heart.
Taking a picture of the snake canhelp medical professionals determine the necessary action.

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On August twenty seven, twenty twenty, the Lsemite Emergency Communications Center received a
notification from a National Emergency Coordinating Centerabout a backpacker in the Glenallan area.
According to USA Today, the backpackerused their satellite messenger device on behalf of
another hiker requesting assistance for a quotesnake emergency end quote. According to the

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National Park Service, USA Today reportedthat the previous day, around two thirty
pm another hike, a barefoot manin his mid thirties was bitten by a
rattlesnake while fishing in the Grand Canyonof the two alumni, the man stepped
onto a rock, causing it toshift under his weight, which alerted at
rattlesnake hiding beneath the rock, andthe snake bit him on his left foot.

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USA Today said the individual was backpackingwith his wife when they attempted to
hike together to get help. However, he soon realized he was unable to
continue walking. His wife saved theirlocation on her phone and later reported the
coordinates to the park rescuers, whichhelped the responding California Highway Patrol helicopters located
him quickly, according to USA Today, while the man's wife went hiking for

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help, another backpacker stayed with himuntil help arrived. After being airlifted to
the park's hellabase at Crane Flat,the man was transferred to an ambulance.
USA Today said a paramedic team treatedhim for dehydration, nausea, and pain.
He was then taken to an airambulance, which flew him to a
hospital in Modesto. The individual receivedtwo doses of anavenum and was expected to

(09:05):
be discharged the following day. Arkificialssaid, next, we have mountain lions
now. The mountain lion is amajestic feline species native to the Americas,
known by several names such as cougar, puma, or catamount. It can
be found in national parks from Californiato Texas. The mountain lion is a

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solitary and elusive predator that has fascinatedthe imagination for centuries. Still, its
presence in national parks has recently sparkeddebates about its potential dangers to wildlife and
park visitors. Mountain lions date backthousands of years, with these magnificent cats
playing a significant role in the folkloreand mythology of indigenous cultures across the Americas.

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Revered as symbols of power, agility, and ministery, mountain lions were
often portrayed as spiritual beings, guardians, or trade mixtures. Mountain lions are
carnivores that mainly prey on deer andeat small animals like porcupines, rabbits,
squirrel marmots, and skunks. Indigenouspeople recognize these apex predators important role in

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maintaining ecosystem balance. The growth ofrecreational activities within national parks poses new challenges
for wildlife management authorities and visitors.Instances of mountain lion attacks on humans are
uncommon, However, when they dooccur, the outcomes can be severe.
The National Park Service suggests following thesesafety tips. Do not approach a mountain

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lion. Mountain lions will typically avoidconfrontation and fleet when given an escape route.
Do not run from a mountain lion, as it may elicit its instinct
to pursue. Instead, stand andface it while maintaining eye contact. If
you have small children with you.Try to pick them up so they don't
pat it and run away. Whiledoing so, avoid ben over or turning

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away from the mountain lion, evenif it feels awkward. This will help
you appear it larger and more intimidating, reducing the chances of an attack.
It's not advisable to crouch down orbend over, as a human standing upright
is not the ideal shape for abig cat's prey. On the other hand,
a person whose quats or bends overappears like a four legged animal,

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which may attract a mountain lion.If you come across a mountain line,
make yourself look larger to avoid beingattacked. You can do this by raising
your arms and even opening your jacketif you're wearing one. Again, be
sure to pick up any small childrenwith you and throw stones, branches,
or any other objects you can findwithout bending down or turning your back.

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The ultimate goal is to convince themountain lion that you are not easy prey
or that you pose a threat toit. If you are attacked, it
is vital to fight back. Insouthern California, a hiker is able to
protect his sun from a mountain lionattack by using a rock to defend himself.
Other people have also been able tosuccessfully fend off mountain lions using items

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such as sticks, caps, jackets, garden tools, and even their bare
hands. As mountain lions typically tryto bite their victims head or neck,
is recommended that you remain standing andface the animal during an attack. If
you spot a mountain lion, immediatelyreport it to a park ranger. According
to the Los Angeles Times. InJuly twenty twenty three, an eight year

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old boy survived to who National Parkofficials called an extraordinarily rare mountain lion attack
and Olympic National Park, leading tocamper evaluations and several trail closures as experts
search for the animal. Park officialsreceived reports that a child had been attacked
by a mountain lion while camping withhis mother at Lake Angels in the Heart

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of the Hills area. The cougarcasually abandoned its attack after being yelled and
screamed at by the child's mother.Park officials said the child sustained minor injuries.
It was taken to a nearby hospitalfor medical attention. According to the
Los Angeles Times, in September twentytwenty two, a woman survived a mountain
lion attack while trail running with afriend on the pipeline trail in Mill Creek

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Canyon. According to the Salt LakeTribune, as the mountain lion approached,
the woman closest to it attempted toretreat, but the animal pounced on her.
She lost her footing and fell backward, and the big cat scratched her,
causing two puncture wounds on her rightleg. According to Faith Jolly,
a spokesperson with a Utah Division ofWildlife Resources, the other runner hit the

(13:35):
big cat with the rock and thetwo women were able to get away and
hike down the trail together. Thepair then called nine to one one.
First responders examined the woman's wounds,and then her friend took her to a
nearby hospital. According to the spokespersonJolly, the woman was in stable condition
and her wounds were not life threatening. Next up, Sharks, the apex

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predators of the world's oceans, haveroamed the Earth for over four hundred million
years. These magnificent creatures have evolvedinto a diverse group, with over five
hundred species, ranging in size fromthe small dwarf lantern shark to the mighty
oil shark. Despite their awe inspiringpresence and crucial role in marine ecosystems,

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sharks often find themselves at the centerof controversy, especially when it comes to
their interactions with humans in national parks. While shark attacks are rare, certain
national parks along coastlines, such asEverglades National Park, are home to these
majestic but potentially dangerous creatures. Swimmersand surfers should heed warnings and take necessary
precautions. A National Park Service saysswimming and snorkeling are prohibited in all canals,

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ponds, lakes and boat basins withinEverglades National Park. If you do
find yourself swimming in an area proneto sharks, stay close to the shore,
swim, paddle, and surf ingroups. Avoid places where there are
seal or schooling fish. Avoid murkyor low visibility water. Avoid wearing shiny
jewelry, limits splashing, Avoid swimmingat dawn or dusk when the lighting is

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low. Add adhere to all signageat beaches, and follow lifeguard instructions.
In June twenty twenty three, avisitor to Everglades's National Park reported being bitten
while washing his hands in the waterin Florida Bay, the National Park Service
said in a statement. The parkranger who treated the man said the injury
was consistent with a shark bite.According to officials, these attacks are extremely

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uncommon for Everglade's National Park. Theindividual was treated by a ranger and taken
to an area hospital. A reportby ABC News stated that a video the
shark attack was shared on social media. The National Park Service verified that the
video captured the reported incident. Thevideo shows the shark jumping out of the
water and biting the fisherman's hand.After the attack, the shark drags a

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man into the water, but otherfishermen quickly pull him back onto the boat.
On October one, twenty twenty three, the National Park Service said fifty
two eu old Felix Najai was swimmingwith friends off Wildcat Beach at Point Raised
National Seashore when he went missing.His friends told officials that a shark was

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seen in the area, along withblood of the water where Felix vanished.
An extensive search for the US Coastguard, Meren County Sheriff's Office, Wren County
Fire Department, and Stenson Beach FireDepartment found no signs of Felix. National
Park officials said he was presumed deceased. Next up bears. Bears have a

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long and fascinating evolutionary history, datingback millions of years. The modern bear
family comprises eight species, each withunique adaptations to their specific environments. Over
time, these creatures have developed diversecharacteristics to survive and thrive in different ecosystems.
In ancient civilizations, bears were oftenrevered as symbols of strength, courage,

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and wisdom. Many Native American tribesconsidered bear sacred and incorporated them into
their folklore and spiritual practices. Similarly, in European cultures, bears were prominent
figures in myths and legends, oftenrepresenting both the power of nature and the
unknown wilderness. Bears are essential forthe health and balance of their ecosystems,

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hence they are considered keystone species.They play a vital role in dispersing seeds,
which increases plant diversity and regulates preypopulations. Due to their omnivorous diet,
bears impact both plant and animal communities, shaping the landscape in ways that
contribute to overall biodiversity. Now,national parks provide a haven for wildlife,

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but the presence of both bears andhumans in these protected areas has created challenges.
With more humans venturing into national parks, there's an increased likelihood of human
bearer confrontations, raising concerns about thesafety of both species. Bears are territorial
animals and may become hostile if theyfeel threatened or sense of potential food source.

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The National Park Service recommends several practicesto ensure safety in bear country.
One of the most important of theseis to never hike alone. Instead,
it is recommended that you hike ingroups of three or more and talk while
hiking. Is also vital to carrybear spray and never leave your pack unattended.
Bears that come across human food andpacks can become habituated to it and

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become problematic in the future. Stayon, maintain trails. Research conducted in
Yellowstone National Park found that people aremore likely to have bear encounters when they
venture off trail, so all foodand items of the food like smell away
from your tent. According to theUS Department of Agriculture, cooking and keeping

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food at least one hundred yards awayfrom your tent is recommended. If you
encounter a bear unexpectedly and surprised,remain calm and back away slowly by avoiding
direct eye contact. Running from asurprise bear may trigger a predatory reaction,
so it's best to avoid running alltogether. Similarly, climbing a tree is

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not recommended, as bears are excellentclimbers. Speak slowly and calming to the
bear while slowly waving your arms toshow that you are a human and not
pray. If you have small childrenor pets with you, pick them up
immediately. Keep an eye on thebear as you leave the area. Bluff
charges are attacked accused by bears toscare or intimidate. To bluff charge,

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a bear will raise its head andears forward and puff up to appear more
prominent. Then it will bound towardsyou on its front paws and giant leaps,
but usually stop short or veer offto one side. It's common for
bears to retreat after a bluff charge, or they may make loud vocalizations.
It's important to remember that aggressive bearcharges can be very dangerous. If you

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see a bear you clacking its teeth, pounding its front paws on the ground,
and huffing. These are clear warningsigns. These behaviors indicate that the
bear is stressed and may be preparingto attack. It will have its head
down, ears pointed back, andit may charge at you with full force.
Be ready to defend yourself and takeprecautions to protect yourself from harm.

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If a black bear charge is atyou, it's crucial to fight back.
Do not play dead. Directly,punch and kick at the bear's face,
and use any weapons you can find, such as rocks, branches, or
bear spray to defend yourself. Ifa grizzly or brown bear charges you and
attacks, the best action is toplay dead. Do not attempt to fight

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back. Instead, cover your headand neck with your arms and hands,
lie flat on your stomach, andspread your legs apart. Keep your pack
on as it can help protect youduring the attack. Wait for several minutes
until you're sure that the bear isgone. It's important to note that fighting
back during an attack from a grizzlyor a brown bear we usually worse than

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the attack, but if it persists, fight back with everything you have.
According to Emily E. Smith ofSmithsonian Magazine on August twelve, nineteen sixty
seven, two nineteen year olds JulieHegelson and Michelle Coons were on separate overnight
backpacking trips in Glacier National Park.Smith said both women worked in one of
the park's lodges for the summer.Smith said Julie and her friend Roy Doukat

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hiked the high line trail from LoganPass for approximately eight miles till they reached
the Granite Park chalet. They ate, packed meals, watched the sunset,
and went to bed around seven pm. According to Smith, the grizzly bear
approached the campers shortly after midnight.Julie saw the bear and woke Roy,
advising him to play dead. Thegrizzly knocked him out of their sleeping bags

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and attacked him, biting each ofthem. The bear then dragged Julie about
one hundred yards away and focused onher. Someone help us, dreamed Roy,
his arm badly injured, ran towake up other campers nearby. Smith
said a helicopter arrived shortly after withmedical supplies, but a ranger who feared
putting more visitors at risk, heldup the search party. Nearly two hours

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passed before the searchers went to rescue. Julie Roy was taken to an area
hospital. A ranger with a riflein the search group ballowed a blood trail
downhill from the campsite. Smith saidthey found Julie face down not far away.
A doctor staying at the chalet rushedto her, aid it hurts,
Julie said multiple times. The groupcarried her back to the chalet, where

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a helicopter would arrive to take herto an area hospital. She reached the
chalet by three forty five am,but sadly passed away before making it to
the hospital. Smith said that asJulie and Roy left for their hike,
Michelle Coons joined four other park employeeson an eight mile expedition to Trout Lake.
A grizzly stumbled upon their campsite aroundeight pm. As they cooked dinner.

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The campers ran away and waited asthe bear ate their food, and
soon sped away with one of theirbackpacks. When it was safe, the
party hauled their gear to the beach. They built a fire and got into
their sleeping bags. Smith writes aroundat four thirty am, the grizzly returned
to Michelle's campsite. It sniffed aroundbit into one of the young men's sleeping
bags and claud his sweatshirt. Thecampers climbed up trees and yelled from Michelle

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to join them, but before shecould, the bear tore into her sleeping
bag and began dragging her away.He's got my arm off. The others
heard her yell, Oh God,I'm dead, she screamed. The party
stayed in the trees for about anhour and a half before running down the
trail to the closest stranger station.Smith reported the rangers, Leonard Landa and

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Burt Gildart, knew Julie's incident hoursbefore they went to sleep. Gildart responded
to calls for help over the radioand dispatched emergency responders, while Landa stayed
awake monitoring the radio. Both meninformed of the mauling later that morning.
Smith said Landa and Gildart were sentto search for Michelle. Landa left first

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with some of Michelle's fellow hikers,and Gildart soon joined them. We were
all a little spooked by this time. Gildart said, here's a bear that's
pulled a girl out of her sleepingbag. What kind of a creature is
this? Juliet was located and therelifted out of the area by helicopter,
but sadly, she did not survive. Smith said the day after the attacks,

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Gildart and Landa were sent to lookfor the bear at Trout Lake.
Gildart saw it at four am whenhe stepped outside of the patrol cabin where
the men were spending the night.He called for Landa to bring a weapon.
Within minutes, the bear charged athim and both men fired, eradicating
it. Smith said Glacier National Parkimplemented a strict pack in pack out policy

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after the attacks. Dumps were eliminatedand visitors were ticketed for feeding bears or
having messy campsites. When grizzlies wasspotted on trails, those areas were closed
until the bears moved on. Thepark posted warnings and tips on bear safety,
enforced rules for food storage, andinstalled bear proof trash cans. Smith
also said that the park created anoff the ground storage system for backcountry campers

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and a permint system that limited thenumber of campers in the back country,
requiring them to sleep in designated campsitesfar from cooking areas. Next, we
have crocodiles and alligators. Now crocodilesand alligators belonged to a group of reptiles
known as crocodilians, the largest livingreptiles. They reside in Everglades National Park,

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Coastal Park units in Georgia and SouthCarolina, and throughout the Gulf Coast
states. Of the twenty three differentspecies of crocodilians in the world, only
two are native to the United States, and both of these species coexist only
in South Florida. The American alligatoris found throughout the southeast in the United
States, while American crocodiles live inthe coastal areas of South Florida. The

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American crocodile is lizard like with along tail and four short legs. Their
narrow snout is triangular with movable skinflaps to protect their ears. Males can
reach up to twenty feet long,while females are usually eight to twelve feet
long. Alligators are more abundant inFlorida than crocodiles. They're darker in color

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and have a broader snout. Alligatorsare typically found in freshwater habitats. Now
crocodiles are rare and secretive creatures thatinhabit coastal brackish and salt water habitats.
Crocodiles inhabiting the Everglades rarely conflict withhumans. Both alligators and crocodiles are ectothermic,
meaning they rely on external heat sourcesto regulate their body temperature. They

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do this by basking in the sunor moving to an area with warmer or
cooler water. A basking crocodile maybe surprised by an approaching person and quickly
and noisily enter the water. Thisbehavior might startle the person, but it
should not be misunderstood. Crocodiles normallyenter the water quietly. Splashing away indicates

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that the crocodile is frightened and feelingstressed. Crocodiles sometimes can be seen running
with their mouths open. This behavioris a way of regulating body temperature and
does not mean that the crocodile isacting aggressively toward people. Necessarily, if
you encounter an animal hissing, itindicates that you are too close to it,
regardless of whether it's within fifteen feetor farther away. Alligators and crocodiles

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are more active at night, intendto do most of their hunting from dust
to dawn. Although they may appearlike statues, sometimes they are alert,
living creatures and can react quickly.Touching an alligator is never a good idea.
Feeding or harassing an animal, includingthrowing objects at it, is considered
a criminal offense that carries a fine. Any action that disrupts the natural behavior

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of an animal is considered harassment.In January twenty twenty, an eighteen year
old college student on an excursion witha professor at Everglades National Park was bitten
by an alligator. According to CBSNews, the student was swimming or waiting
in the water at a location knownas the Movie Dome near the Paheochi Trail
when she was bitten in the leg. Park official set. The young woman

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suffered two punctured wounds to her legand refused to be transported by Miami Dade
Fire Rescue as she wanted to transportherself. The likelihood of being seriously injured
during an unprovoked alligator attack incident inFlorida is roughly only one in three point
one million, according to the FloridaFish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Now we

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have elk Elker, iconic symbols ofNative American wildlife known for their impressive antlers,
regal stature, and distinctive bugling callsduring the mating season. Elk had
become a central attraction for nature enthusiastsin national parks. Witnessing these creatures in
their natural habitats undoubtedly a thrilling experience, fostering a deeper connection between humans and

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the natural world. While the allureof getting up and close and personal with
elk is undeniable, such encounters dopose significant risk to both visitors and the
animals themselves. Elk or wild creatureswith unpredictable behaviors, especially during certain times
of the year, such as therunning season when males are more territorial and
aggressive, Approaching elk too closely cantrigger defensive reactions, leading to potential human

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injuries and undue stress for the animals. Injuries caused by oak encounters can range
from minor bruises to severe trauma,highlighting the importance of maintaining a safe distance
of at least twenty five yards.If an elk charges get away, retreat
to shelter in a building or vehicle, or behind a tall, sturdy barrier
as quickly as possible. According tothe Washington Post. On June three,

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twenty eighteen, fifty one year oldYellowstone National Park employee Charlene Triplett was about
twenty feet away from elk that wasdefending her calf when she was attacked.
The elk reportedly reared up and kickedmiss Triplet multiple times with its front legs,
hitting her head, torso, andback. The National Park Service set
in a statement, Charlene's injuries weresevere and she was flown to the trauma

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Center at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, according to The Washington Post. And
lastly, moose, the most prominentmembers of the deer family, are renowned
for their impressive size, formittable antlers, and seemingly noscile behavior. However,
despite their gentle appearance, moose arewild animals with an unpredictable nature. In

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national parks, where they roam freely, it's essential to comprehend their habits and
characteristics to ensure everyone's safety. Unpredictablecharges and aggressive displays are not uncommon,
leading to potential injuries. While themost notable dangers of moose encounters is their
territorial nature, particularly during the breedingseason in particular, can become highly aggressive

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when defending their territory or pursuing amate. Additionally, cow moosse can fiercely
protect their calves, posing a threatto anyone perceived as a potential threat.
It's vital to keep a safe distancewhen viewing moose. Female moose, especially
those with calves, can be veryprotective and defensive. During the summer,
moose can easily blend into their surroundings, making them difficult to spot despite their

(31:27):
large size. They may also standtheir ground even when they hear people approaching.
Therefore, paying close attention to yoursurroundings is crucial, especially in areas
where most are commonly found, suchas willow thickets or near streams and ponds.
If you do stumble upon a moosethat has yet to detect you,

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keep it that way, Talk toit softly, and move away slowly as
if it knows you're there. Donot be aggressive. You want to convince
the moose that you are not athreat. If you think the moose will
charge you, run away or takecover behind something solid, like a tree.
If you do come across a mooseand its ears are laid back and
the long hairs on its hump areraised, it's a sign that it might

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charge you. A MOSE's charge isusually a warning, and you should take
it very seriously. When a mostbluff charges, it is already agitated.
If a most charges run away,they usually will not chase you. If
they do, they will unlikely pursueyou very far. If you can outrun,

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get behind something solid, like alarge rock or a tree. If
a moose knocks you down, curlup in a ball, protect your head
with your arms, and keep still. Fighting back will only convince the most
that you may still be a threat. Only move once the mosse is backed
off to a safe distance, orit may renew its attack. You can
help keep yourself and the most safeby respecting their space and habitat. According

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to Yahoo Life, a couple visitingGlacier National Park in September twenty twenty six
were frightened after getting too close toa bull moose. The pair were taking
photos of the moose by a lakewhen he spotted them and charged, driving
them back. The incident was recordedby another visitor, Liz Chang, who
was on the opposite bank. Themoose are in their rut right now,

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and that bull have been running aroundfor a couple minutes. Trying to chase
away a baby so he could dateto mama, Chang said in conclusion,
when exploring nature is crucial to rememberthat animals play a significant role in the
delicate ecosystems we aim to preserve.These wild animals can be unpredictable, and

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something as simple as a new scentor sound could cause them to run or
even charge. To assure both yoursafety and theirs, each national park has
specific guidelines for visitors concerning the distancethey must maintain from animals. The guidelines
suggesting at least twenty five yards awayfrom most animals and one hundred yards away
from larger wildlife such as bears.However, please check with a specific park

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you're visiting, as some require maintaininga minimum distance of fifty yards. Always
remember it's your responsibility to maintain therecommended distance and follow any additional park specific
guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyableexperience for you and the wildlife. By
respecting these animals, adhering to parkguidelines, and remaining vigilant, we can

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ensure a safer and unforgettable experience forall who venture into the wilderness. Well,
friends, there you have it.What do you think of these creatures
in the wilderness. I look forwardto your comments, but please keep it
friendly and respectful. Until we meetagain. Be good to yourselves and each

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other. Stay safe out there inthe wild. As for me, I'll
see you a little further on downthe trail. I'm Steve Stockton and I'll
talk to you next time. Andplease tell your animals I said hi.