Olympic National Park is a dazzling and dynamic wonderland of diversity with an incredible range of precipitation and elevation and a wide array of resident wildlife.
Encompassing nearly 1 million acres, Olympic National Park protects several distinctly different ecosystems, including glacier-capped mountains and over 70 miles of wild coastline and is home to a truly diverse wildlife community with everything from tiny invertebrates found in its tidal pools to the majestic mountain goats that roam its rugged high country.
Salt and other minerals are hard for Olympic’s mountain goats to obtain in their natural alpine environments and they have been known to seek out human sweat to supplement their dietary needs. Usually this results in mountain goats licking sweat soaked backpacks and clothing but apparently if they are desperate enough they will go straight to the source. Such was the case for this sweaty hiker who allowed a mountain goat to lick his arm to consume the sodium and other electrolytes that goats need but struggle to find in the wild.
Olympic National Park suggests the best relationship with its wildlife is a long-distance one and asks guests if they are fortunate enough to see wildlife during their visit, not to approach, startle, or feed the animal. Feeding wildlife is strictly prohibited in the park and subject to fines and we would assume that includes being a human salt lick.
All park wildlife are potentially dangerous to humans and can sometimes be unpredictable.
Here are some basic guidelines that may help lessen the threat of danger and will help to keep wildlife wild:
- Observe wildlife from a distance. All wildlife is protected in the park. Park regulations require that all visitors maintain a distance of at least 50 yards (half the length of a football field) between themselves and any park wildlife. Do not approach wildlife. If an animal approaches closer than 50 yards, move away to maintain the minimum required distance of separation.
- Never feed wild animals. This includes all park animals: birds, squirrels, marmots, deer, elk, otters etc., not just bears. Learning to beg for and/or rely on human foods is extremely harmful for all wild animals, big or small. Be careful not to leave wrappers, crumbs, or other food trash after picnicking or snacking on the trails. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. Feeding wildlife can also increase risks to you and other visitors.
- Keep children and pets close. Keep children within your immediate sight at all times; keep pets on leash or in carriers.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times.This includes times when animals are mating, nesting, raising young, and during the winter.
- Avoid setting up camp on or near game trails. Hike and camp away from obvious animal paths, water sources, and signs like droppings or claw marks.
- Store food properly and keep your camp clean. Cook and eat away from your sleeping area. Store your food by locking it in your vehicle or using a bear-proof storage container when in frontcountry campsites. When camping in wilderness areas of the park, all food, garbage, and scented items such as toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and chapstick, must be stored in bear canisters, hung from park bear wires, or hung at least 12 feet high and 10 feet out from the nearest tree trunk. Bears and most other wildlife are active 24 hours a day; have all food and scented items secured 24 hours a day.
