Wildlife Wednesday 07/31/2024

Woof-woof! It’s #WildlifeWednesday and we are talking about trail etiquette with our canine companions!

The Wilderness Center welcomes dogs on four of its trails (Sugar Creek, Fox Creek, Sigrist Woods, and Foxfield Preserve). When hiking with a pooch it is important to keep wildlife in mind for the safety of the plants and animals you may encounter as well as for the security of you and your dog. A few useful tips:

Keep your dog on a leash and in your control. This will prevent your pup from chasing after an animal or tracking a scent and getting lost.

Stay on the path to prevent your furry friend from trampling wildflowers, eating plants, and encountering ticks and other parasites.

Make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations in case of encounters with wild animals or other dogs.

Properly dispose of pet waste. Waste can have supplements that are unnatural to the environment and should be cleaned up so it does not disrupt animals, waterways, or plant life. On a related note, make sure pet food and treats do not get left outdoors where wild animals could find and eat them.

Be aware of seasonal wildlife happenings. For example, while hiking in the springtime be aware that native animals with dens, nests, and young may be extra protective and territorial.

With all that in mind, a canine hiking buddy can enhance your experience, keeping you in tune with nature and on alert for wildlife sightings and your dog will greatly benefit from sensory enrichment and exercise. Happy trails and tails!