In early spring, leave the woods to the animals

Let them recover from winter hunger

By Allen Macartney

Ilove hiking remote trails in all seasons – except early spring. And it’s become a “never do” rule that I stick to. For me it’s an unnecessary risk, like crossing a busy street while texting. Gambling is not for me.

What’s the problem? The other inhabitants of the woods.

Too many animals have barely survived winter and are half crazed with hunger. And this winter was very cold with lots of snow, making it particularly difficult for large- and medium-sized carnivores to catch food. Hikers could interfer with their hunt, or worse.

We have a sentimental Victorian view of nature, and it’s wrong. It’s easy to rhapsodize about its gentleness and beauty, but nature is also harsh and unforgiving. That cute little bunny with the twitching nose isn’t trying to endear itself to us. It’s testing the air for the tiniest whiff of predator, scared stiff and ready to bolt at the least provocation.

Early spring is no time to encounter a possibly starving Gatineau wolf or a hungry old coyote suffering from mental issues. It’s when hikers are most likely to encounter a protective mother bear and her young cub on a trail. After hibernating for months, the mother is probably very hungry, grumpy, and fiercely protective of the next generation.

Every animal in nature is hunting for food and struggling for survival, and late winter is the hungriest time of year. Though humans may be at the top of the food chain, an animal that has gone weeks with nothing much to eat might in reckless desperation start thinking about reversing that situation. It’s no time to make an appearance on a remote hiking trail.

Want to hike anyway? Stick to well-travelled trails in areas where animals are used to human presence. Carry a whistle or bear spray. Watch for bears and other large wild animals. Bear signs are vivid signals: tracks, droppings, fresh diggings or rotten trees torn apart. If brother or mother bruin shows up, back away slowly and leave the area. Don’t linger for pictures.

Yes, spring is wonderful in the woods. Hiking without snowshoes with “ephemerals” blooming underfoot. Barren trees opening an extended view of hills and forest before they leaf out. But by waiting until late May or early June, you allow the forest to rebalance, and winter’s gnawing hunger pains to disappear from animal memory. (Allen Macartney is a seasoned backwoods hiker, camper and paddler.)