Ask the Conservation Officer (CO)

by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "I enjoy winter-time sports and I frequently ski and skijor the groomed trails north of Ketchum with my dogs. With wolves in this area should I have any concerns?" Answer: I would say "concern" would be an appropriate word for any potential wildlife encounter. The groomed Nordic ski trails north of Ketchum provide a spectacular opportunity to experience winter conditions and relative solitude in the Upper Big Wood River drainage. Because of the reduced snow depths they also provide travel lanes for various species of wildlife including elk, deer, moose, wolves and mountain lions. Quietly gliding along on Nordic skis often results in quick, close confrontations with wildlife also sharing the track area. Any time you experience a close encounter with wildlife in the winter one or both of you are at risk for being injured. Deer and elk will bolt off the trail into the deep snow or onto roadways risking injury to themselves. This kind of confrontation could have long-term complications to them as they must expend precious energy to escape a skier. Moose will often stand their ground, and while not specifically looking for a fight, when they feel threatened or cornered will defend themselves. To my knowledge no one has ever been attacked by a moose, but one lady in the East Fork of the Big Wood was knocked to the ground by a fleeing moose. Moose generally don't share the same fondness for our dogs as we do and can become aggressive towards the family canine. When your pet is seeking refuge from an angry moose, try not to let them place you in the middle of the encounter. Ski poles and walking sticks are little more than an annoyance to an agitated moose! Wolves are well established in the area north of Ketchum. They have lost much of their natural shyness and in the winter it has become almost common to see them. Wolves don't appear to be a significant threat to human safety but they may view your pet dogs as canine competitors. Previous experience in other parts of the state indicates wolves will attack and kill domestic dogs. For this reason I would caution anyone recreating, hiking, or skiing with dogs in areas frequented by wolves. Observing wintering wildlife during a Nordic ski trip is one of the reasons people enjoy the activity so much. Wolves pose no more threat to you and your pets than do moose. Try to avoid causing wildlife to expend unnecessary energy to avoid a confrontation. A noise maker on your belt and on your pet such as bells will alert them to your approach. Pepper spray, whistles, or an air horn may also be used as deterrents for close encounters with most wildlife species. With some planning and precaution you and your pet should both enjoy the winter outing. If you are uncomfortable with the risks to your pet from a wildlife encounter, you might want to select a different location to recreate or leave your pet at home. If you have any further questions you may call the Magic Valley Regional Office of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at (208)324-4350 or e-mail us at the Fish and Game web site at http://fishandgame.Idaho.gov.