Face To Face With A Raccoon! he incredible real estate development of our country has created more confrontations with wild animals than some people realize. A hike, a weekend retreat, or a visit to a friend's back yard might bring you or your children face to face with some furry creature. DON'T PANIC!! There are specific ways to deal with unexpected foxes, coyotes, wild birds, or raccoons. Don't succumb to the temptation to pet a wild animal. No matter how cute or charming they may seem, they could be very dangerous. Don't forget, the parent of that little, cute, furry animal is probably near by! The "little ones" can carry rabies as well as the adult animal. If you or someone you know is bitten by an animal, it is important that they see a physician immediately!

We have to remember that as society grows, the wild animals' habitats shrink. I try to be respectful of their homes when I visit their environment. If I am in the forest or the desert, I try to stay away from the wild life. I have learned to appreciate them from a distance.

What do you do if you come across a wild animal? The most important thing to remember is that they are just as afraid as you are, if not more so. Stand your ground. Don't run if you are close to them. They may chase you. Above all, don't panic. If you do, you may do something that may cause harm to you or someone else. If you have a jacket or something in your hand, hold it over your head. This will make you seem larger. Give the animal an escape route. NEVER corner an animal. They will attack if they do not not have a way to retreat! Finally, when you are leaving the situation, leave slowly by walking backwards

A helpful hint: To avoid a confrontation when walking in the woods or any other place where wild life live, talk, sing, or whistle to warn the animals that you are approaching.

By carefully applying simple rules, there will be no need for traps, fences, or blockades to protect us from the wild life. We can protect our environment and still give space and respect to the beautiful animals that need to live here as well. Killing an animal is a poor solution for making sure the forests are safe.

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