It’s exciting to see wildlife on trail, and it’s important to protect them when we do. Photo by Chris Neir.

The joy and responsibility of hiking with wildlife

As the state’s population grows, along with the demand for trails, hikers have a major role to play in caring for these places and enjoying them responsibly | by Melani Baker

Trails connect us to nature, and to our place in it. Whether you are a birder adding species to your life list or a hiker getting your first glimpse of a pika, wildlife sightings add surprise and joy to a hike. Sharing space with wildlife on trail reminds us that we are not the only creatures who depend on the nature around us.

Three orange fox kits sitting in grass field.
When photographing wildlife, be sure to stay on trail, even when you see cool animals on your hike. Photo by Robin McCurdy.

Trails are our best tool for creating access to the outdoors while limiting impacts to wildlife and landscapes. For trails to do their job, hikers need to help.

The landscape of Washington state is changing. As the state’s population grows, along with the demand for trails, hikers have a major role to play in caring for these places and enjoying them responsibly. This article is part of a series exploring the future of hiking and recreation in Washington state, and how we can all work together to protect and steward trails and public lands.

Understanding our role in helping wildlife

Hikers have an impact. The presence of humans changes animals’ behavior. While our impact varies greatly by the species we encounter, the type and timing of our recreation, and the habitat involved, we know that our presence outdoors can disturb wildlife. We have more information about how animals respond to human presence, in terms of increasing alertness, fleeing and changing their activity patterns. We have less information about how this affects their stress levels, reproductive success and the overall health of the population, particularly the thresholds for when and where recreation begins or ceases to affect wildlife. WTA supports additional research into the ways that recreation impacts wildlife.

When we think about the very different ways that animals survive — think a grazing mountain goat versus a hunting cougar — it’s no surprise that not all animals respond in the same way to the presence of hikers. While there are variations across species, there are some common threads.

One thread is that wildlife react more, and more negatively, to less predictable forms of recreation. For example, wildlife can become accustomed to hikers on a trail or cars driving on a road. But if a hiker ventures off trail or if a driver parks along a road and then walks, that unexpected behavior can disturb wildlife more than the typical use of an area.

Owl Fledgling sits on mossy tree branch.

A peaceful owl fledgling enjoys its perch on Coal Creek Trail. Photographed by Hilary Barnes.

Another common thread across species is that animals are more sensitive during breeding and birthing seasons. Pregnant females are most vulnerable to disturbance, but all members of a species may be more sensitive during these important times of year. The season when we are hiking can also play a part for other reasons, like during the winter months when food is scarce.

“Outdoor recreation can pose some challenges for wildlife, especially during critical times of the year or in important habitats. Public lands are not playgrounds but living landscapes that need respect,” said Kurt Hellmann, Conservation Northwest’s wildlife recreation coexistence senior coordinator.

New approaches can help wildlife thrive

Earlier this year, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) piloted a seasonal closure on sections of the Methow Wildlife Area for the first time to protect wintering grounds for mule deer, whose population has been struggling. We don’t know conclusively what impact the closure is having, but WDFW says that early observations suggest it’s helping.

As recreation and conservation in our state continue to evolve, we need to be ready for new management techniques and decisions. We can be part of the process and use our voices as hikers when management decisions are being made. In the case of the Methow Valley temporary closures, WDFW held community meetings to gather and integrate input from the public before making their decision.

Two fawns in field amongst wildflowers. Pine trees and mountains out of focus in the background of the photo.

Spectacular wildlife is always best experienced from a healthy distance. Photo by Terra Compton

Respecting Tribal rights and cultures

Native people and Tribes have lived on and stewarded the lands and waters in Washington state since time immemorial. Tribes maintain their sovereign and inherent rights, including rights reserved by treaties. Washington’s public lands are critical to Tribes in protecting the fish, plants, wildlife and sacred places on which their cultures depend. As hikers who enjoy these same lands, we must commit to protecting these things as well.

“It’s important that we never lose our right to access our traditional foods and our materials that we gather, our fish and our game, and all those things from the land and the water that our people remain spiritually connected to which defines us and our living culture,” wrote Ray Fryberg Sr., the Tulalip Tribes’ Tribal research historian, in the report “The ‘Recreation Boom’ on Public Lands in Western Washington: Impacts to Wildlife and Implications for Treaty Tribes.”

Tips for protecting wildlife as you hike

The following tips will help keep wildlife safe, so future generations of hikers can enjoy the same delight you do when you spot your favorite Washington wildlife. We compiled these tips from Conservation Northwest, Leave No Trace principles and WTA’s Trail Smarts series.

Travel on durable surfaces and designated trails - Sticking to compact surfaces like packed dirt, rock, gravel or snow protects the plant life and clean water that wildlife depend on. Staying on trail also reduces the chances that you’ll surprise wildlife. When you take an animal by surprise, they are more likely to flee and to flee farther, leaving less time for important activities like resting and foraging.
Avoid surprising wildlife - A great way to do this is to hike with others. The sound of talking clues an animal in to the fact that people are nearby. Hiking solo? Wear a bell on your backpack, or speak or sing to yourself (or to the wildlife — “Hey, bear!”).
Give them space - Keep an animal’s heart rate down by giving them at least 50 yards of space. Never approach or follow an animal — it keeps both of you safe.
Keep human food for humans - Human food is not part of a healthy diet for wildlife. Animals ranging from wasps to squirrels to bears can learn to associate humans with food, which is dangerous for them and us. If camping overnight, store foods and scented items (cookware, trash, toothpaste, deodorant) in a hanging bear bag, a bear canister or an Ursack bag. Find steps on how to hang a bear bag.
Keep dogs on leash - Keeping your four-legged hiking buddy on leash prevents stressful, or even dangerous, wildlife encounters. Some animals or environments may be sensitive to dogs, even those on leash. Before you go for your hike, check whether dogs are allowed. You can find basic guidelines here.
Know and follow seasonal regulations - Many animals are more vulnerable during certain seasons. They spend extra time foraging when food is scarce in winter and extra energy breeding and raising young at other times. Know and follow any temporary or seasonal closures.

Where to find wildlife around the state

Wildlife conservation areas offer hikers the chance to glimpse wildlife while protecting native species of wild flora and fauna. Get started with some of these hiking ideas:

Use WTA’s Hiking Guide to find them by searching for hikes with “refuge,” “preserve” or “conservation” in their names. Keep in mind dogs are not allowed at wildlife refuges.

Mountain goat and kid stand on rocky ground with two pine trees to the left of frame. Snowy mountain background slightly out of focus.
Incredible wildlife shots, like of these two goats, can be taken from a safe distance away from the animals. William Swigart

You can learn how to hike safely in bear, rattlesnake or cougar country (and around other species) with WTA’s Trail Smarts series.

Sharing information and a love of nature

As people who love the outdoors, we want to care for wildlife while we explore the ecosystems where they live. If you see others outdoors who aren’t familiar with the tips shared above, you may want to let them know best practices. Approach any conversation with another hiker about best practices with an open and curious mind to get the best results. We want to respect wildlife and everyone who is outside looking to connect with nature like we are.

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2024 issue of Washington Trails Magazine. Support trails as a member of WTA to get your one-year subscription to the magazine.