Wilderness Wise Slides Final v3
Wilderness Wise
Wildlife Safety Training
Session Duration: 120 Minutes
Training Goals
Identify basic wildlife risks in outdoor settings
Recognize safe behaviors around common wildlife
Know what to do (and not do) if encountering wildlife
Understand how to make safe decisions in real situations
The Golden Rule
NEVER approach or feed wildlife.
No Selfies
No Snacks
No Chasing
Video Session 1
Conservation Northwest: Wildlife Encounter Safety
15 Min Video
Embedded media
Encounter Discussion
What did you notice about how to respond if you see a wild animal?
Why is it important to stay calm and back away slowly?
What are common mistakes people make?
Video Session 2
National Park Service: Never Feed Wildlife
15 Min Video
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Feeding Discussion
How does human food change an animal's natural behavior?
What happens to "problem animals" that lose their fear of humans?
How can we manage our trash/food to protect wildlife?
Video Session 3
National Park Service: Bear Safety 101
15 Min Video
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Bear Safety Discussion
What is the most important thing to do when you encounter a bear?
When should you "play dead" versus "fight back"?
Why is it critical to never get between a mother and her cubs?
Scenario 1
You see a deer standing near the trail while you are hiking. It looks calm but is blocking the path.
What do you do?
Recommended Action
Stop and wait. Give the deer space to move on its own.
Deer can be aggressive if they feel cornered. Never try to shoo them or sneak past in tight spaces. If they don't move, back away and find a different route.
Scenario 2
A snake slowly crosses your maintenance path while you are carrying heavy equipment.
What do you do?
Recommended Action
Freeze and let it pass. Maintain at least 6 feet of distance.
Most snake bites occur when people try to move or kill the snake. Once it has cleared the path, proceed cautiously and keep watching the ground.
Scenario 3
You hear loud rustling in dense bushes 15 feet away but cannot see the animal.
What do you do?
Recommended Action
Make noise and identify yourself. Do not approach to look.
Say "Hey bear" or talk loudly so the animal knows a human is present. Surprise is a major cause of attacks. Back away slowly while keeping the area in sight.
Scenario 4
You find a tiny baby fawn lying alone in tall grass. There are no other deer in sight.
What do you do?
Recommended Action
Leave it alone and keep moving. Do not touch or move it.
Mothers often leave their young hidden while they forage nearby. Human contact can cause the mother to abandon the baby or bring predators to its location.
Scenario 5
A coyote is standing 40 yards away, staring directly at you. It does not run away when you move.
What do you do?
Recommended Action
Stand tall, wave your arms, and shout firmly. Never run.
"Hazing" the animal reminds it that humans are a threat. If you run, you may trigger its predatory chase instinct. Back away slowly while remaining big and loud.
Scenario 6
A squirrel or raccoon is actively trying to get into your open lunch bag at a worksite.
What do you do?
Recommended Action
Shoo the animal away, secure your food immediately, and never offer a "reward."
Allowing an animal to get a food reward reinforces the behavior, leading to future aggression and the potential destruction of the animal.
Core Safety Rules
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1
Keep significant distance from all animals
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2
Don't approach, chase, or feed wildlife
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3
Stay on designated trails/paths
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4
Never Run
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5
Make noise to avoid surprising animals
Interactive Drill
"I saw a bear 50 yards away. It has noticed me and is watching."
What is the safe action?
Final Reflection
What is one thing you learned today that surprised you?
What would you do differently in the future?
How do these practices protect the animals too?
Any final questions before we wrap up?
Stay Safe. Stay Wild.
Wilderness Wise Facilitator Guide
Facilitator Guide
Wilderness Wise: Wildlife Safety Training
Total Duration
120 MIN
Lesson Summary for Activity Slip
Topic: Wilderness Wise: Comprehensive Wildlife Safety Training
Summary: This 120-minute safety session focuses on risk identification and behavioral response during wildlife encounters. Participants learn through curated video modules (Conservation Northwest and NPS), guided group discussions, and interactive problem-solving scenarios. Key areas covered include the "No Run" encounter rule, the biology of habituation (never feeding), and species-specific safety protocols for bears and other local wildlife.
Learning Outcomes: Staff will be able to identify signs of animal presence, demonstrate safe backing-away techniques, and explain the long-term ecological and safety dangers of wildlife habituation.
Session Preparation
Projector/Screen for 24-Slide Deck
Stable internet for Video Sessions
Printed Facilitator Guide (1 per staff)
Whiteboard/Markers for discussion notes
Training Flow & Pacing
0-10m
Introduction (Slides 1-3)
Establish the "Golden Rule." Frame wildlife safety as a professional responsibility for both human and animal welfare.
10-35m
Encounters (Slides 4-5)
Play Video 1. Discussion: Focus on "Body Language" of animals and why running is never an option.
35-60m
Feeding (Slides 6-7)
Play Video 2. Discussion: Explain habituation. A "reward" for an animal is a death sentence later.
60-85m
Bears (Slides 8-9)
Play Video 3. Discussion: Black vs. Brown bear response difference. The importance of bear spray.
85-110m
Interactive Scenarios (Slides 10-21)
Instructions: Show the Scenario Question slide. Solve as a group or take individual responses. Reveal the Answer Slide to confirm best practices.
1: The Path-Blocker
Wait patiently. Give space. Detour if needed. Never shoo or crowd the animal.
2: The Path-Crosser
Freeze. Allow it to clear. Bites happen when humans try to move the animal.
3: The Hidden Rustle
Be loud. "Hey Bear!" Surprised animals attack; warned animals leave.
4: The Fawn
LEAVE IT. Mother is nearby. Scent transfer is dangerous to the animal.
5: The Staredown
Stand tall. Wave arms. Shout firmly. "Haze" to maintain their fear of humans.
6: The Lunch Raider
Secure food immediately. Shoo animal. Never let them get a food reward.