Learn How to Recreate Safely Alongside Inland Northwest Wildlife at the Expo on Feb 25
On Sunday, February 25, you can join District Wildlife Biologist Annemarie Prince and her colleague Trent Roussin from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) for some pointers on staying safe when you’re adventuring in the outdoors this year.
At their presentation, “What Was That? Tips for Identifying and Recreating Safely with Wildlife,” Prince and Roussin will discuss how to identify a few animals common to the Inland Northwest by looking at tracks and scat. These animals include grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, coyotes, cougars, and moose. It’s important to recreate safely in the natural habitat of these animals, and one of the first steps is realizing they’re there.
Prince and Roussin may also bring in some sound clips to demonstrate the difference in sound between a coyote and wolf, and the difference in sound between grizzly and black bears.
“Even the most experienced outdoor enthusiast can learn something new about wildlife, and it’s always good to remind ourselves how to stay safe while recreating outdoors,” says Prince.
In Prince’s role as District Wildlife Biologist she conducts local wildlife surveys, makes hunting season recommendations, captures wildlife, and writes annual status reports for wildlife in Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille counties. That is to say, it’s her job to be aware of our local wildlife and their habitats. While recreating in northeast Washington, Prince regularly sees deer, moose, black bears, grizzly bear sign, cougars, wolf sign, elk, snowshoe hare, and turkeys, among other wildlife.
“As state wildlife managers, it is our job to ensure there are healthy wildlife populations that everyone can enjoy, whether you are a hunter, outdoor recreationist, or wildlife watcher,” says Prince.
The WDFW provides access to the natural world through their Wildlife Management Areas and water access sites. They also try to provide tips and education for people regarding safe recreation in these areas.
“With a growing grizzly bear population, encounters may become more common, and practicing identification skills can make one more confident when they have a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” says Prince.
At the Expo, Prince and Roussin will have photos, casts of tracks and scat, and will show how to properly measure a track when you’re on the trail. For more information on the upcoming Spokane Great Outdoor and Bike Expo, and to purchase tickets, visit the web links below.
About the Spokane Great Outdoor and Bike Expo:
Where: The Spokane Convention Center, 334 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201
When: Saturday, February 24, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, February 25, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tickets here
More Info here
