Why would I intentionally enter a wild animal’s territory on foot and being armed? If they defend themselves against my unauthorized presence, I’d have no right to harm them. In fact, no one, except authorized forest officials or conservation authorities, should be permitted to enter wildlife habitats on foot carrying firearms, knives, or other weapons. This not only poses a threat to humans but also jeopardizes the well-being of the animals and the ecosystem as a whole.
Entering wildlife habitats on foot and armed is reckless and unnecessary. Wild animals have the right to defend themselves against intruders. Only authorized officials and visitors with proper authority should be allowed to enter these areas, strictly adhering to jungle rules and exercising caution and respect for the animals’ territory.
By respecting wildlife boundaries, we can promote coexistence and preserve the delicate balance of nature.
I have done quite a bit of dog walking over the years but I have never encountered someone on a unicycle while doing so. Now I’m envious.
If I am not allowed to walk on foot into wild animals’ territory I would not be able to leave my house. It’s all wild animals out there.
Is it not clear enough?
I strongly believe that attacking and killing wild animals in their natural habitats is unacceptable and inexcusable. In my country, such actions are considered serious offenses and are punishable by law. It’s essential to respect and adhere to forest rules and regulations, regardless of one’s place of residence. I kindly request that we avoid misinterpreting or misdirecting this important issue. It’s worth acknowledging that cultural perspectives on wildlife and conservation may vary across different countries, but our shared goal should be to promote coexistence and protect our planet’s precious biodiversity.
I must have missed the responses that indicated
was a goal. I thought the discussion was whether we felt safe while going for a walk in nature.
Inconsiderate dog owners are the only threat in the local county parks here in central Maryland. Why folks think their untrained, aggressive, 100 pound dog doesn’t need to be on a leash baffles me.
In one park I’ve been charged twice by large dogs, luckily they stopped before I had to hurt them. I now regularly carry “Halt” dog repellent in this park.
In the US we have hunting seasons, so some of the people one might cross paths with while iNatting are armed and they are looking to kill certain wildlife.
Something to be cautious about when you are hiking in the fall months: don’t look like a deer.
I spend a lot of time hiking in grizzly bear country. Hiking with others is one of main things that can be done to reduce risks, but I that doesn’t always work for me, so I spend a lot of time hiking solo. When I’m alone I change my decision calculus about where I go and increase my attention to other aspects of risk mitigation.
For example, if there aren’t other hikers in view in the trail, I’m regularly talking out loud to alert nearby animals that I am approaching. I always carry my bear spray in a holster in reach and I practice drawing it. Where I go and my attention to bear risk changes in the fall (when bears are in hyperphasia). I have a Garmin InReach and I’m sending a live track to a family member whenever I am on an unpopular or new to me trail. That’s a precaution for any emergency. My day pack has standard emergency supplies, and I’m prepared to spend the night outside (though it wouldn’t be comfortable).
One of my favorite resources is a podcast about our local search and rescue. I love hearing about the amazing efforts of our volunteer responders, learning about backcountry safety, and getting knowledge about risks specific to particular locations. Most of the rescues have nothing to do with wildlife. The main themes are:
- knowing your capabilities,
- knowing the risks related to your activity,
- respecting when you are uncomfortable in a situation,
- recognizing that anyone can have an accident or a medical emergency at any time,
- knowing how to get help, and
- being able to take care of yourself or others while you wait for rescue.
This may not be exactly what you’re looking for, but I’ll leave this anyway in case it’s helpful for someone reading this thread.
When my friend and I went on a month-long trip this past summer (~9,000 miles, or 14,500 km) we brought a satellite messenger so we could send texts without cell signal. They allow you to message contacts or signal for help with an emergency button as long as you have access to the sky. The plans can be expensive, but if you’re in such a situation for an extended period like we were it’s worth being able to reach out to friends/family when you’re in the middle of nowhere, even not accounting for emergency rescue.
Exactly. Unless you’re hunting, carrying a weapon for self defense doesn’t equal going into the wild animal’s territory with the express purpose of killing them. I would also contend that it would be irresponsible to go into risky situations (such as grizzly bear country) WITHOUT a means of defense.
I understand that different perspectives exist, but in my view (and the majority of other people’s view), humans come first. While we should do our best to avoid harming animals, in the event that we are attacked, we absolutely have the right to defend ourselves. Even if we are in “their territory.”
I can’t speak for laws in all countries, but in the US at least I believe killing an animal as self defense in a life-or-death situation is not illegal. Same with self-defense against other humans.
And as mentioned earlier, it is possible to use non-lethal defense methods as well, such as bear spray
I just carry a knife, a stick, and the few wits I have.