Leaf Peeping
“Leaf Peeping” season is upon us! This fall, thousands of motorists and hikers are going to make the pilgrimage to the Shenandoah mountains to see the brilliant golds, reds, oranges, and brown colored leaves as the deciduous trees change and shed for winter.
This beautiful environment is home and habitat for many of Virginia’s wildlife, and some lucky travelers will be able to see our native critters while out and about!
Here at Nutley News, we have a few tips and tricks that leaf-peepers can use to stay safe during encounters with wildlife. First, know which animals you’re likely to encounter at the time of day you’re visiting parks and rural areas. During the day, you’re likely to see squirrels, wild turkeys in fields and near tree lines. At dawn and dusk, deer, foxes, and even black bears will be out and about. If you’re camping, you might be able to catch a glimpse of nocturnal animals, like racoons, coyotes, bats, opossums, luna moths, and barn owls. If you’re camping, secure all food to avoid attracting animals to your camp site.
Being aware of animal behavior is also helpful to maximize safety. As animals prepare for winter, their movement and activity increase while they search for food, dens, and mates. This behavior increases chances of interaction with humans, especially near roadways. Bears preparing for hibernation cross roadways as they look for food. Deer mating season begins in autumn, which increases deer activity, including near roadways. Deer, racoons, and foxes have reflective eyes that you will be able to see with car headlights or flashlights.
For drivers in particular, there are a few suggestions to keep you and the wildlife around you as safe as possible. Slow speeds and attention to the road are key – if you want to have a look around, put your car into park on the side of the road. Designated vistas and overlooks are a great way to catch the beautiful sights! Use your car’s high beam headlights on rural, unlit roads to improve visibility (but be careful not to blind oncoming drivers!) Enjoy the beautiful change in seasons and wildlife sightings, and stay safe!
Written by Elizabeth O’Malley
Elizabeth O’Malley is a WRL Transporter and columnist. She loves plants, pottery, and powerlifting.
