Keeping the ‘Wild’ in Arizona’s Wildlife

Keeping the ‘Wild’ in Arizona’s Wildlife

Let’s talk a little about Leave No Trace’s Sixth Principle: Respect Wildlife.  While on an outdoor adventure, part of the fun is the chance to encounter local wildlife.  While exploring the amazing places they call home, let’s be good house guests by following two quick tips.

Making sure to store food and trash securely will reduce the likelihood that wildlife will become dependent upon human hand-outs for their next meal.  Human food, and our leftovers in the dumpster, can cause a big impact.  Wildlife may be drawn to areas where food and trash have been improperly stored.  This can expose wildlife to their natural predators by luring them out into the open, and it can result in uncomfortably close encounters with other visitors.

Wildlife needs its space in order to live a happy and healthy life.  If people get too close, not only will it cramp nature’s style, but it may result in the wildlife not feeling comfortable enough to go about their normal routine.  This could result in wildlife not having access to food, water, and the shelter they rely on.  The best way to make sure we’re not altering the behavior of wildlife while out on an adventure is to keep the thumb trick in mind!

By the Subaru/Leave No Trace Teams. For over 20 years these teams have provided tangible solutions to serious issues facing our outside space and reach over 15 million people every year. Learn more about the important work of our mobile education teams.  Proud partners of this program include Subaru of America, REI, Eagles Nest Outfitters, Thule,Fjällräven, The Coleman Companyand Klean Kanteen.