Hiking America: Animal Watching

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Animal watching is a year round hobby and can take a traveler across the country. Whether it is the majestic moose, magnificent bison, powerful grizzly or other wondrous creature, a trek through their habitat at the right time may bring you nose to nose. Of course, there are etiquette rules to follow and specific techniques to help you spot these special animals.

Planning for the perfect animal watching hiking trip requires an understanding of the animals you are hoping to spot. Animals can be spotted along many scenic roadways, hiking trails in national parks, and in various camping and nature areas.

Some of the more popular species for the animal watcher are moose, bison, and bear. These animals hold a special allure for the recreational animal watcher. They are larger animals and they hold a special place in the natural heritage of the country. These animals can also be spotted in their natural habitat during a leisurely hike or a canoe trip. Each animal has its own habitat, although they do overlap. It is important to understand each animal to know where, and when, to find them.

Bison ( Buffalo)

These majestic beasts can be viewed in many areas of Yellowstone National Park. The park is devoted to recreation, and a day hike may bring you face to face with one of these icons of the American Midwest. During spring and early summer newly-born bison can often be seen in the Firehole and Lamar Valley area. The adult males and females can be seen throughout the park, especially along the Yellowstone River. Late summer and early fall is another great time to visit since the mating season is over and they are preparing for winter. They will be in the fields and on the move to their wintering grounds.

Moose

The moose can be found along the Northern Hemisphere where the coniferous forests are found. These large animals don’t handle the extreme heat well, that is why they are usually spotted in the mornings or at dusk. They are most active in the early evening. They can be spotted most times of the day. However, they often seek shaded, covered areas during the hottest parts of the day.

Moose are often spotted along lakes, streams, ponds or wetland areas. They like to nibble the tender shoots of aquatic plants. They can also be found in clearings along the edge of the forest or along power lines where they can nibble on the ferns, shrubs and small trees. Roadways are another common area to spot them. This is, unfortunately, the cause for many fatal, and non-fatal, accidents. Moose are prevalent throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Southern Canada. The best time to spot these giants is late spring to September. They may be harder to spot during the extremely hot days, but they become more active again as the days cool in early autumn.

Bear

Two species of bear commonly found in North America are the grizzly and the black bear. The grizzly can be found in the Western mountains of the U.S, but is much more prevalent in Alaska. It is estimated that there is a population of 40,000 in Alaska. The brown bear, as the grizzly is called near the coast, can be seen while the salmon population is up. The best time to spot these bears is from June to September. The winter months will find these bears tucked away in hibernation.

The black bear is the most common bear in North America. It can be found from Northern Canada to Mexico. It has a wide range of habitats. It can be found in the moist, shaded coniferous forests or on dry, rocky ridgelines. The black bear is most active in early to late spring, just after coming out of hibernation, and in the early to late fall while preparing for hibernation. These bears can be seen ambling along streams, through berry patches at the edges of woods, and munching on shoots in old clearings.

Animal Watching Etiquette

When watching animals, whether for recreation during a hike, or as part of a special trip, it is important to observe some basic rules to keep you and the animals safe.

• When driving through their habitat, stay alert and don’t expect them to react as you would. Brake and let them move on.
• Give the animals space. Animal attacks are usually defensive, when they perceive a threat to themselves or their young.
• Don’t feed or bait the animals.
• Avoid flash photography, as this spooks the animals.
• Never chase the animals, they will take this as aggressive behavior and if they become cornered they will attack.
• When on a guided hike or trek, stay with the guide and listen to the directions. You paid for the guide, use them.
• Most importantly, be a spectator and enjoy nature unspoiled. Don’t try to insert yourself into their world.

Following these simple rules can keep you safe and make your animal watching excursion a wonderful experience that you won’t soon forget. Respect nature, and nature will respect you.

~Ben Anton, 2008