Here’s how people and wildlife can happily exist together this spring

Alison Papas from Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary says spring is a busy time because animals have just come out of a long hibernation.

Wildlife experts are preparing for a busy season ahead and giving the public advice on how humans and wildlife can peacefully live together this spring.

Director of Advancement and Communication at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary Alison Papas says spring is a busy time because animals have just come out of a long hibernation and there’s a lot of food available. They’re having their babies, they might be migrating or building territory for themselves.

“That is going to naturally increase human to wildlife interactions,” says Papas. “You’re going to see more wildlife during this time.”

Some of the animals that are more prevalent this time of year are coyotes.

She recommends if people encounter a coyote, to use a firm, confident voice.

Papas says to also give them space, stay calm and slowly move away.

“It’s important to realize wildlife sees us human beings as predators. They see us as being very unpredictable. So they really want to get away from us. So the worst thing you could possibly do is corner a wild animal,” Papas says.

One of the key points Papas wants to drive home when being outdoors with pets is to keep them on a leash.

She says if dogs aren’t on a leash, they could run off into the bush and come across a mother bear and her cub. That bear would then follow your dog right back out to you.

She suggests, if you’re with a child and come across a coyote, pick up the child.

Accidental kidnapping

The term refers to when people come across an animal by itself and believe that animal is orphaned and on its own when in fact, that animal’s mother is not that far off.

For example, Papas says people will come across a deer fawn in the shrubs and think it’s all alone but really, the mother did that intentionally. She meant to stash away the baby to keep it away from predators.

How to keep animals away from your property

Papas recommends making your home generally less appealing for wildlife to be drawn to. For example, she suggests removing attractants from your property. She also says if you have a fruit tree in your yard, to pick up any fallen fruit. Additionally, she says to bring dog food inside.

Finally, she urges people to never feed wildlife.

More tips

When driving, wildlife experts say to slow down at dawn and dusk as animals tend to be out and about more during those times of day.

While fireworks in the backyard can be a fun, warmer weather celebratory activity, experts say it causes animals to get disoriented and stressed out.

“Loud explosions can send birds into frantic flight and drive mammals onto roads or away from their young, turning a brief celebration into a real danger for animals,” wildlife experts say.

Lastly, Aspen Valley recommends people secure their garbage and compost.