Weather
Creatures to watch out for (WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife)
Eastern Cascade Region: RattlesnakesIf you encounter a rattlesnake, move away: A rattlesnake will coil into a defensive posture if it cannot escape by crawling away. If you remain too close, the rattlesnake will usually warn you with its distinctive rattle. Its last defensive move is to strike. Remember, all of these warnings are meant to help avoid conflict. Rattlesnakes want to avoid you as much as you want to avoid them.
Prevent Problems While Hiking
- To minimize conflicts with rattlesnakes while hiking:
- Stick to well-used, open trails. In brushy areas, use a walking stick to alert a snake of your approach.
- Avoid walking through thick brush and willow thickets.
- Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see.
- Wear over-the-ankle boots and loose-fitting long pants.
- Watch rattlesnakes from a distance, and be aware of defensive behaviors that let you know you are too close.
The statewide black bear population in Washington likely ranges between 25,000 and 30,000 animals. As human populations encroach on bear habitat, people and bears have greater chances of encountering each other. Bears usually avoid people, but when they do come into close proximity of each other, the bear’s strength and surprising speed make it potentially dangerous. Most confrontations with bears are the result of a surprise encounter at close range. All bears should be given plenty of respect and room to retreat without feeling threatened.
Cougars: throughout Washington where suitable cover and prey are found
Although there is an estimated population of 2,000 cougars statewide, confirmed cougar problems have been decreasing. Encounters range from harmless sightings to attacks on livestock or pets.
Coyotes: open ranch country to densely forested areas to downtown waterfront
There were no documented coyote attacks on humans in Washington state until 2006.
