Trailcraft Tuesday: Wildlife awareness on Vista Loop

Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve is famous for spring color.

It is also home to real wildlife.

That is a good thing. It means the land is still working. It also means we need good trail habits.

This Trailcraft Tuesday is about wildlife awareness on a simple Vista Loop walk.

What “wildlife awareness” really means

It does not mean fear.

It means:

·         you notice signs.

·         you give animals space.

·         you move in a way that keeps everyone safe.

Awareness is a skill. You can practice it on an easy trail.

A simple Vista Loop plan

If you want a short loop, keep it basic.

Start with Vista Point Trail. San Mateo County Parks lists Vista Point Trail as a 1-mile trail that begins from the main parking area and leads to a view.

You can hike it as an out-and-back. Or you can link it to nearby paths to make a longer loop.

Either way, the wildlife lessons are the same.

The wildlife you may see

In Edgewood, you may spot:

·         deer in the grass.

·         rabbits near brush.

·         hawks and other birds overhead.

You may also be in habitat for:

·         coyotes.

·         bobcats.

·         rattlesnakes.

·         mountain lions.

Most days, you will not see the shy animals. But they may see you.

The #1 rule: distance

Distance is your best tool.

If you see an animal, ask:

·         Is it acting calm.

·         Does it have a clear path away from me.

·         Am I blocking the trail.

Then give it more space than you think you need.

Do not follow for a photo. Do not crowd it. Do not feed it.

If you see a coyote

Coyotes are common in many Bay Area parks.

Most of the time, they will keep moving.

Do this:

·         stay calm.

·         keep walking.

·         do not approach.

·         keep kids close.

Do not run. Running can trigger chase.

If you see a rattlesnake

Snakes like sun and warm rock.

If you hear a rattle, stop.

Then:

·         look for the snake.

·         step back slowly.

·         give it room to move away.

Do not try to move it. Do not throw things. Let it be.

If you see a mountain lion

This is rare. But it is worth knowing what to do.

If you see a lion:

·         stay calm.

·         pick up small kids.

·         face the animal.

·         make yourself look big.

·         back away slowly.

Do not crouch. Do not run.

If the lion acts bold, make noise and throw small rocks near it, not at it. The goal is to scare it off.

Watch for signs, not just animals

Many times you will not see the animal.

You will see signs.

Look for:

·         tracks in soft dirt.

·         scat on the edge of trail.

·         fresh scratch marks.

·         birds making sharp alarm calls.

If you see a lot of signs, slow down. Keep your group close. Stay alert at blind corners.

One trailcraft tip: “pause at the edge”

Edges are where wildlife moves.

An edge can be:

·         where grass meets brush.

·         where trail meets creek.

·         where shade meets sun.

Before you step into an edge zone, pause.

Scan left. Scan right. Listen.

This takes five seconds. It can prevent a surprise at close range.

Keep the trail safe for everyone

Wildlife awareness is also people awareness.

On a narrow path:

·         keep right.

·         call out when you pass.

·         keep your pace steady.

If you hike with kids, keep them close in brushy zones. If you hike with a dog, follow park rules and keep the leash short.

Leave No Trace supports wildlife

Every Leave No Trace choice helps animals.

Key ones here:

·         pack out all trash.

·         stay on trail.

·         do not pick flowers.

·         do not feed animals.

Food scraps change animal behavior. Even “natural” food like fruit can pull animals toward people.

The Wildland Experience note

Trailcraft is not only for big trips.

You can build it on a one-mile walk.

If you want to learn wildlife safety, map skills, and calm pacing, The Wildland Experience can help you build a simple skill set that works on any trail.

Hike. Explore. Craft.## Tick check in spring

Ticks are part of the Bay Area spring story.

After your hike:

·         check socks and pant cuffs.

·         check behind knees.

·         check waist lines.

·         check pets, if they were allowed.

A quick check is easier than dealing with a bite later.

Be careful with photos

Zoom is better than a close approach.

If you want a photo:

·         stay on trail.

·         use zoom.

·         take one shot and move on.

Your goal is a calm animal and a calm trail.

Report big issues

If you see an animal that looks sick, injured, or trapped, report it to park staff.

Do not try to handle it.

Park staff have the training and the right contact list.

Take one lesson into the week

Pick one habit and carry it into your next hike.

For example:

·         pause at edges.

·         keep kids close in brush.

·         pack out micro trash.

Small habits add up.