You only have to go back a couple generations and America was an agrarian society. The outdoors was our backyard and interaction with wildlife was part of growing up.
Through the years we have evolved into an urban society and many people’s interaction with animals has been limited to having a family pet. Yet the desire to experience nature is still strong. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, wildlife viewing generates $75.9 billion in revenue annually in the United States and hundreds of millions of dollars in Colorado. Visitation to our national parks is at an all-time high. Unfortunately, this has created a problem. Many people do not know how to interact with wildlife.
Most of you know I am evangelistic about getting people outdoors. I believe it provides an unparalleled opportunity to create memories and bond with family and friends. Colorado provides a wealth of outdoor opportunities including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing. You have a chance to see dozens of species of birds, squirrels, rabbits, deer, elk, moose, bears and mountain lions.
As recreation and development advance further into the habitat of wildlife we see more opportunity for human-wildlife conflict. When I see a post from the city of Aspen stating “please don’t take selfies with the bears” or I read about three people in the last two weeks attacked by elk in Estes Park, I realize there is a lot of education necessary (not to mention some common sense).
Donna Forest from Colorado Parks and Wildlife joined me on the radio Saturday to discuss a couple upcoming events that can help people learn how to interact with wildlife.
CPW will hold the inaugural Outdoor Adventure Expo at Cherry Creek State Park this coming weekend. There will be three separate recreation areas (outdoors, shooting, and water) which offer archery, biking, fishing, OHV’s, paddleboarding, rock climbing, sailing, shooting and more. There will also be a host of outdoor experts and vendors to answer your questions about how to safely get started in outdoor recreation, including hands-on demonstrations.
The second event she covered was the upcoming “Elk Fest” Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 in Estes Park. While Forest wanted to promote the event, she was more concerned about people interacting with the elk. The elk in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park become desensitized to people and at times you can get very close. Remember, these are still wild animals and can be very unpredictable. This is also the rut, a time when the bull elk can be very agitated.
While I encourage everyone to get outdoors and enjoy our beautiful state, please use common sense. Even if the disruption you cause doesn’t result in an injury to you, the animal you affected may suffer. Wild animals are by definition wild. If you get in their comfort zone you cannot predict how they will act.
Please stop by and see me Saturday during the Expo at Cherry Creek. The entire event is no charge, including entrance into the Park.
You can find more information on the here.
To listen to my complete interview with Donna Forrest click the link below.
https://soundcloud.com/1043thefan/donna-forrest-terry-wickstrom-outdoors-91617
Don’t forget you can get your outdoor questions answered by sending them to terrywickstromoutdoors@gmail.com and you might win a gift card from Sportsman’s Warehouse.
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