ARE WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS COMMON?
Our beautiful mountains are home to a diverse array of wildlife, and catching a glimpse of that wildlife is a common and favorite pastime of many visitors to our area. There is something majestic about seeing a grazing deer or turkey making their way across our breathtaking mountain landscape, and black bear sightings are a particularly exciting occurrence for some travelers. While it is a special treat to see, certain guidelines should be followed to help keep you and our amazing fauna safe.
The most common wildlife in our area includes (but is not limited to) Black Bears, Coyotes, Bobcats, Wolves, Foxes, Bats, Opossums, Deer, Raccoons, Skunks, Turkeys, and Snakes. It might go without saying, but it is important to exercise caution when spending time outdoors, even if you are at a vacation home close to town. We recommend that you educate yourself on the specific types of wildlife in our area so you can recognize them and their distinguishing characteristics.
Some other tips we recommend are to avoid walking in tall grass, keep your distance or back away slowly if you encounter an animal, avoid feeding wildlife, avoid hiking early in the morning or late in the evening (especially when alone), and carry a safety kit and first aid kit in the event you sustain a bite, sting, or injury. Most of the animals in our region are docile and simply in search of food. However, they are fiercely protective of their young, so as cute as it might be to see a baby bear or raccoon, keep in mind that mama is not far behind and keeping a close eye on the situation.
The most important piece of advice we can share is to be aware of your surroundings so you can protect yourself and fully appreciate seeing the awe-inspiring animals that call our region home!
