Single Tracks small takes that make Squamish unique
Photo by Greg Norgaard, gettyimages.ca
Squamish – Where the Wild Things Are Squamish is home to a wide variety of wildlife due to its diverse landscape. While visiting, you may spot a bear, come across wolf tracks, see an elk along the highway, or even hear about elusive cougars being spotted. Here are some essential safety tips to prevent unnecessary harm to local wildlife and keep you, your family, and your pets safe: • Most animals prefer to avoid people. That is safest for them and us. • When recreating on trails, make noise by clapping your hands and using your voice. Travel with a friend or more, pay attention to your surroundings and don't wear headphones. Watch for fresh scat and other wildlife signs. Avoid travelling alone, especially at dawn and dusk when animals are most active. • Enjoy animals from a distance. Approaching wildlife interferes with their ability to forage for food and raise their young, and it can lead to dangerous situations. Always keep a respectful distance of at least 100 metres for bears and 30 metres for other non-predatory animals. If you cause an animal to move, you are too close. 8 | Discover Squamish Summer 2022
• Do not feed wildlife. Feeding wild animals may give you a moment of joy, but the costs can be tragic for that animal. Animals that are intentionally fed may become increasingly aggressive, seeking handouts. It is also illegal to feed bears, wolves, cougars or coyotes in all of B.C. • Keep a bare campsite and leave only footprints. Anything that has an odour can attract wildlife. Never leave attractants unattended, even for a moment. These include food, items used in food preparation, coolers (empty or full), garbage and wrappings, pet food and bowls, recyclables, and toiletries. They should all be stored in a hard-sided vehicle and never in your tent. • Do not throw anything out your car window, including organics, as this can draw wildlife to the roadside and risk a collision. • Always pack out what you pack in. • Keep pets on a leash in wildlife country. Over 50% of injuries inflicted on humans by bears have involved dogs. Wildlife see dogs as a potential threat or potential prey. For your safety and that of your pet, keep them close and on a leash. • Watch for wildlife. Many animals may graze along Highway 99 or try to cross it. If you see an animal along the roadside, do slow down but do not stop. Stopping along Highway 99 is unsafe and can put you, other motorists, and the animal at risk. • Do not run in a wildlife encounter. Running is a prey response, and the urge to chase will be strong in animals such as bears or cougars. Stay calm, speak in a low, calm voice and move away slowly without turning your back. Wildlife attacks on people are exceedingly rare. • Become informed. WildSafeBC provides many resources on their website, including information on local B.C. wildlife, ways to prevent conflict, safe use and transport of bear spray, and a free course on bear safety when recreating. Visit www.wildsafebc.com
