Walk on the Wild Side

IF YOUR SUMMER PLANS include visiting a national park or conservation area, you’re in for a great adventure and, potentially, encounters with wildlife. These guidelines will help you — and any wildlife nearby — stay safe while maximizing your experience and minimizing your environmental impact.

Show respect. Encounters with wild animals can be both exhilarating and intimidating. If you spot wildlife from your vehicle, resist the urge to pull over and snap pics. Stopping at the side of the road is dangerous for fellow motorists and can cause animals to lose their natural fear of people, cars and highways. When you’re hiking, avoid catching wild animals by surprise — speak in a loud voice, make noise and be mindful of your surroundings. If you do spot wildlife, stay on designated trails and skip the selfies. Instead, opt for binoculars or a telephoto lens to view animals from a safe distance. Stay at least 100 metres (the total length of 10 buses) away from bears, bison, wolves and cougars, and a minimum of 30 metres (three bus lengths) away from sheep, deer, moose and elk. In bear country, Parks Canada advises carrying bear spray for use (as a last resort). The non-lethal spray will sting the eyes and skin of the bear and encourage it to retreat. (Parks Canada’s guide to using bear spray is here.)

Snack responsibly. Wild animals are drawn to human food, so it’s crucial to store and dispose of your snacks properly. When camping, always store food and used cookware in bear-proof containers or inside your vehicle. And while it’s a given that you shouldn’t litter, remember that no littering also applies to compostable organics. Resist the temptation to feed those cute chipmunks and birds — feeding wildlife is illegal, and you could be charged under the Canada National Parks Act. “Animals that become habituated or food-conditioned stop looking for their natural foods, may come too close to humans and [can] become increasingly aggressive,” explains Claudia Crépeault, media relations officer with Parks Canada.

Prep right. Don’t get caught without the essentials you’ll need to stay warm, dry, nourished and safe. Rainwear, sun protection and extra layers of clothing are a must (but avoid cotton, which insulates poorly and dries slowly). Plan on drinking at least half a litre of water per hour and keep your on-the-trail eats nutrient-dense. When packing for more intense and longer day hikes, include “in case of emergency” gear — a whistle, a flashlight with spare batteries, bear spray and a first-aid kit. Cellphone service can be spotty in wilderness areas; consider bringing a satellite communication device with GPS. And before heading out, let someone know your exact travel plans and download your trail map offline through the AllTrails app. Finally, think realistically about your capabilities and limitations, “whether it’s paddling a canoe or how far [you] can walk on the terrain,” advises Crépeault.

If you see something, say something. If you witness someone breaking the law by harassing wildlife, poaching, fishing without a permit, littering, flying a drone or off-roading in a Canadian national park, report it to Parks Canada’s wardens immediately at 1-877-852-3100. Ultimately, you’re doing local wildlife a favour — and helping protect the wilderness for years to come. AMA