Hikers advised to stay alert as wildlife sightings increase this spring

SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. -- As warmer weather draws more people to the trails in the Inland Northwest, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is urging caution after some wildlife sightings in the Dishman Hills area. While hikers often expect to see deer, raccoons and porcupines, game cameras have captured footage of moose, bobcats and cougars in the park from late winter through early spring.

“This is the time of year when last year’s cougar kittens have grown up and are leaving their mothers to find their own territory,” said Ruth Gifford, executive director of the Dishman Hills Conservancy. “We’re seeing almost weekly sightings on our cameras.” Despite the presence of large predators, some hikers remain unfazed.



“I hike every day in really secluded areas with my dogs, and I’m not scared at all,” said Jutta Aletter, a local hiker. Wildlife officials recommend hikers stay alert, make noise to avoid surprising animals and keep dogs on leashes. “If your dog runs off and encounters a cougar or bear, it could lead the animal back to you,” said Staci Leahman with the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

If you encounter a cougar or moose, experts advise making yourself appear large, making noise and never running away. “What a prey would do is run away, so you never want to run away,” Gifford said. Officials ask that anyone who spots a cougar or other large animal to report it to the Department of Fish and Wildlife so they can better track the wildlife in the area.

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