Monitoring Monday – Safety Around Wildlife

RATTLESNAKES

Generally, not aggressive, rattlesnakes (Crotalus spp.) strike when threatened or deliberately provoked, but given room they will retreat. Most snake bites occur when a rattlesnake is handled or accidentally touched by someone walking or climbing.

Rattlesnakes can’t regulate their temperatures, so they look for sunny spots to warm up after a cool night. A bare sunny trail or open space is a perfect sunning spot, so stay alert when walking in the cooler parts of the day.

When it’s really hot, rattlesnakes need to find sheltered places out of the sun to keep from overheating: shady places along or under logs, rocks, heavy shrub or woodpiles, even the foundations of buildings.

While they can be out any time, rattlesnakes are most active in the morning and from dusk into the night. They hunt mice and rodents in darkness because they can sense body heat with special organs on their face.

Rattlesnakes are most active during the hot summer months at dawn and at dusk, though they can be encountered at all hours. Generally not aggressive, rattlesnakes strike when threatened or deliberately provoked, but given room they will retreat. Most snake bites occur when a rattlesnake is handled or accidentally touched by someone walking or climbing. The majority of snakebites occur on the hands, feet and ankles.

 COYOTES

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are found through most of California. The California Department of Fish and Game estimates a population range of 250,000 to 750,000 individuals. Coyotes are very adaptable and inhabit most areas of the state with the exception of the centers of major metropolitan areas. During the time of the year when adult coyotes are caring for young (May-September), they can be very aggressive.

If you encounter a coyote – and it sees you:

• Keep a safe distance.
• Frighten coyotes with loud noises. Clap hands, make noise (e.g., whistle, noisemaker), and allow it to move away on its own.

If you encounter a coyote – and it approaches you:

• Do not run from a coyote.
• Make yourself look bigger by lifting and waving arms.
• Make noise by yelling, using noisemakers, or whistles. If small children are present, keep them close to you.

If you encounter a coyote – and it attempts to attack a person or pet:

• Get to a safe location.
• If a person was bitten or scratched by the coyote, call 9-1-1 and seek medical attention. Notify the nearest CDFW office after contacting local authorities. Also report aggressive, fearless coyotes immediately.

MOUNTAIN LION

Mountain lions aka puma, cougar... (Puma concolor) are typically solitary and elusive, and typically avoid people. Few sightings result in a mountain lion being identified as an imminent threat to public safety.

Mountain lion attacks on humans are rare. Statistically speaking a person is 1,000 times more likely to be struck be lightning than attacked by a mountain lion. Since 1890, there have been less than 50 verified mountain lion attacks on humans in California; of that, only six have been fatal. In most cases the person was lone when the attacked occurred.

Follow these guidelines to stay safe:

• Do not jog or hike alone. Go in groups with adults supervising children.
• Make your presence known. Make noise, sing, talk loudly, or wear a bell.
• Hike during daylight hours and stay on established trails.

If you encounter a lion, remember the goals are to convince it that you are not prey and that you may be dangerous. Follow these safety tips:

• If you spot a mountain lion and the animal is unaware of you, alter your route so that you will move away from its area.
• Do not approach a lion. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
• Do not run from a lion. Remain calm. Hold your ground or back away slowly. Running may stimulate a mountain lion's instinct to chase. Instead, stand and face the animal.
• Make eye contact. Continue facing the mountain lion, and maintain eye contact.
• Do not crouch down or bend over. A human standing up is just not the right shape for a lion's prey. Conversely, a person squatting or bending over resembles a four-legged prey animal. In mountain lion country, avoid squatting, crouching, or bending over, even when picking up children.
• Do all you can to appear larger. Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you are wearing one. Throw stones, branches, or whatever you can reach without crouching or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice. The idea is to convince the mountain lion that you are not prey and that you may be a danger to it.
• Fight back if attacked. Use rocks, jackets, sticks to turn away the mountain lions.
• Report any mountain lion encounters or incident to the Fish and Wildlife Office.
• If a person was bitten or scratched seek medical attention.

BEAR

Black bears are the only wild bears in California. There are two subspecies of black bears recognized in California: The northwestern or Olympic black bear (Ursus americana altifrontalis) in the northwest corner of California, and the California black bear (Ursus americana californiensis) throughout the rest of California. Despite their name, black bears can be brown, tan, gray, or black. And despite their size and fierce reputation, black bears are rather timid, using their claws to climb trees and dig instead of for capturing prey. Bear attacks are rare; most bears are only interested in protecting food, cubs, or their space.

Be prepared.

• Know the area your hiking and your surroundings on the trail.
• Hike and travel in groups.
• Carry bear spray and learn how to use it properly. This does not take the place of preventing conflict.

 Be proactive.

• Make your presence known (e.g., talk loudly, whistle) – A scared or startled bear may react defensively.
• Watch for bear sign along trails – Scat, tracks, and stripped bark off trees.
• Avoid areas where animal carcasses or den sites are observed.

 If you encounter a bear - and it does not see you:

• Keep a safe distance. Back away slowly.
• Let the bear know you are there. Make noise by yelling, clapping hands, use noisemakers, or whistle.
• Do not run. Do not make eye contact.
• Leave the area or take a detour. If this is impossible, wait until the bear moves away. Always leave the bear an escape route.

 If you encounter a bear – and it sees you:

• Keep a safe distance. Back away slowly.
• Do not run.
• Make noise by yelling, using noisemakers, or whistles.
• A scream or sudden movement may trigger an attack. Never imitate bear sounds or make a high-pitched squeal.
• Make yourself look bigger by lifting and waving arms.
• Do not make eye contact. Let the bear leave the area on its own.
• If the bear is stationary, move away slowly and sideways; this allows you to keep an eye on the bear and avoid tripping. Moving sideways is also non-threatening to bears.
• Bears may also react defensively by woofing, yawning, salivating, growling, snapping their jaws, and laying their ears back. Continue to talk to the bear in low tones; this will help you stay calmer, and it won't be threatening to the bear.

If you encounter a bear – and it approaches you:

• Keep a safe distance. Back away slowly.
• Make yourself look bigger by lifting and waving arms.
• Make noise by yelling, using noisemakers, or whistles.
• Do not run. Do not make eye contact. Let the bear leave the area on its own.
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it properly.

If a black bear makes contact - fight back. Then call 9-1-1.

• Report encounters or incidents to the Fish and Wildlife Office.

Erick Burres

Clean Water Team Coordinator

California Water Quality Collaboration Network Facilitator

Safe to Swim Network Co-facilitator

Email: erick.burres@waterboards.ca.gov

Phone: 213 712 6862 mobile

Mailing address: Erick Burres – Clean Water Team C/O SARWQCB - 3737 Main Street, Suite 500, Riverside, CA 92501