Wild animals are fun to photograph but never forget they aren’t your friends. If you’re hiking in the woods, on mountainsides or in the desert and you see wildlife always keep in mind that they are original inhabitants, not you! Be especially careful if you come across a mother with a baby –whether it’s a mountain lion, bear or elk– because if you come between them the mother will probably charge at you.
What to Do if You See a Black Bear
If you see a black bear, a species that roams parts of the Rockies, never approach it. If you’re with a group stay close together because there may be safety in numbers. (Always keep your kids close when hiking in the woods. Hold small kids by the hand.) If the bear comes toward you, stand as tall as you can so you look bigger and make loud noises by clapping your hands, shouting and banging anything metal, such as pots and pans. If the bear takes something of yours (like food you left out in a campsite or an article of clothing that might have a candy bar in a pocket) never try and get it back.
How to Act if You See a Mountain Lion
Most mountain lions do not want a confrontation, so always give them space to move away from you. Do not run and stay calm (at least outwardly). Stay still or back away quietly and slowly, always facing the lion. Don’t stand upright, but do all you can to appear bigger. (Opening your jacket and holding the sides out may make you look bigger.) Pick up any small kids and hold them. If a lion is aggressive, wave your arms, yell and toss objects at it. The goal: to give the message that you’re not prey and may be dangerous. Fight back if attacked.
Photographing a Moose, Elk or a Bison.
This is where telephoto lenses are worth their money (and possibly your life). Never go too close to either animal. Both animals weigh hundreds of pounds more than you and can flatten you quickly if irritated. Moose and elk can also charge and reach you much faster than you can run away.
