Out & About: Wildlife need a break from humans as hard winter lingers

OUTSURVIVE – The public in general doesn’t seem to understand the importance to avoid disturbing big game on their winter ranges, especially in tough winters such as this.

Elk, deer and moose are enduring the snow and cold by slowly burning their fat reserves to supplement the calories they can ingest.

When these animals are spooked unnecessarily by early shed hunters, snowshoers, snowmobilers and loose-running dogs, the elk and deer must dip into energy stores. Every disturbance increases the deficit.

If you love big game, do your best to leave them alone this time of year, Idaho wildlife biologist say.

Drones are the latest way for people to slowly kill wildlife – for the sake of a video.

Wildlife refuge officials in Jackson, Wyoming, said a man using a drone caused 1,500 wintering elk to stampede half a mile.

The stampede happened on Monday at the National Elk Refuge in western Wyoming. Elk and bison often congregate at the refuge to eat feed put out to help them survive the winter.

This winter has been especially harsh. More than 3 feet of snow has piled up, conditions that can be very stressful for all kinds of animals.

Refuge officials gave the man from Washington, D.C., a $280 ticket after he launched the drone from a highway pullout and flew it over the resting elk herd.

They said disturbing wildlife is a serious offense punishable by a fine up to $5,000.

But in most cases, disturbing wildlife in winter goes unchecked – and unpunished.

Outdoor clubs set public programs

OUTSEE – Public programs by area outdoors groups this week include:

Lower Snake River Dams Debate, by Medical Lake FFA, on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Inland Northwest Wildlife Council, 6116 N. Market St.

Area birds as seen by 1800s naturalist, by Jack Nisbet, on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Riverview Retirement Center, 2117 E. North Crescent Ave., for Spokane Audubon.