How to Handle Wildlife Encounters While Hiking

An experienced survey technician in Utica, Minnesota, Scott Schwieder concluded his tenure as a senior civil engineering technician with the city of Rochester in 2018. Upon retiring, Scott Schwieder shifted his focus to a few of his favorite pastimes. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys hiking and rock collecting, among other interests.

Encountering a wild animal while hiking can be both a special and scary experience, depending on the situation. Regardless of the animal or environment, hikers should do everything they can to avoid direct contact with wildlife. Unfortunately, this is not always possible, but there are a few tips that can help hikers maintain their safety and distance.

While hiking is often a tranquil, calming experience, hikers are encouraged to make noise while on the trail. Animals will typically do everything they can to avoid contact with humans, and will usually vacate the area long before a chatty group of hikers are aware of their presence. That said, hikers must always keep their wits about them and be vigilant for signs of trouble on the trail ahead, animal or otherwise.

Time of day can be a key factor in whether or not hikers encounter wildlife. Animals are most active at dawn and dusk, times that should be avoided by hiking groups if possible. For overnight hikers, securing food and any other notable scents is a must. In fact, food should be stored in a secure container that is kept away from camp, ideally in a car, meat locker, or hanging from a tree or pole.

According to Yellowstone National Park, hikers should maintain a minimum distance of 25 yards from all wildlife, a figure that is increased to 100 yards for predators such as bears and wolves. If such animals are present in an area hikers plan to visit, it is important to learn as much information as possible about potential encounters. For example, hikers should make themselves appear as threatening as possible to a black bear, which is the exact opposite approach of a hiker who has encountered a grizzly bear.

The Eastern Hemlock – a Versatile Conifer Common in Minnesota

With a background in civil engineering, Scott Schwieder is a certified tree inspector with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Based in Rochester, Minnesota, Scott Schwieder has extensive knowledge of trees common in the state.

One common tree in Minnesota is the eastern hemlock, a conifer that begins its lifecycle in a forest as an understory plant that ultimately emerges past broad-leaf trees to grow as high as 100 feet. With a graceful pyramidal shape, the evergreen features branches that may be horizontal or drooping. Its needles are not pointed but short and soft.

Growing well in full shade or sunlight, the eastern hemlock thrives in moist, rich, well-drained soils with slightly high acid levels. Responding well to pruning, the tree can be integrated into low hedges or planted as a standalone.

To preserve the natural shape, the best pruning technique involves an annual cutting back of branches that have grown too long. The only drawback is the tree’s susceptibility to the hemlock woolly adelgid, an aphid-like pest.

Common Duties of Tree Inspectors

Experienced civil engineering technician Scott Schwieder has spent more than three decades serving the City of Rochester Engineering Division. In 2016, Scott Schwieder became a qualified tree inspector for the State of Minnesota.

Tree inspectors in Minnesota are professionals who have passed a certification exam administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. They are knowledgeable about common pests and diseases impacting native tree species, and they carry out functions such as inspection, monitoring, and recommendations.

Inspection — Tree inspection requires inspectors to routinely examine trees for signs of invasive insects or diseases such as Dutch elm disease. This occasional scrutiny of trees helps to prevent sudden outbreaks that could devastate the local ecosystem.

Monitor — Non-native insects or diseases can wreak havoc on the environment, especially if discovered in later stages. Inspectors also look for the presence of new plants, diseases, and pests to head off potential ecological crises.

Recommend — Inspectors are also trained to minimize tree-related hazards after a storm, which can weaken roots and cause decay. Inspectors can also provide homeowners with planting and growing advice for strong, healthy trees.

DNR Warns Public of New Invasive Species in Minnesota

After more than three decades of municipal governmental service, Scott Schwieder retired from the City of Rochester, Minnesota, in 2018. Over his career, Scott Schwieder has obtained certification from several government organizations in recognition of his expertise, including the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Dedicated to creating a livable, healthy, and sustainable Minnesota, the DNR recently announced it had confirmed the first case of a new invasive species, the flowering rush. The DNR discovered the flowering rush, an aquatic plant, in small patches on Grants Lake in Douglas County. If allowed to grow unchecked, flowering rush can make it difficult for boats to access the water, and can crowd out plants native to the area. With the goal of eliminating the plant, the DNR has begun removing them by hand.

To help it in its initiative to keep Minnesota free of flowering rush, the DNR has asked the public to report sightings. Flowering rush grows in shallow water along shores, as well as in deeper water, where it is more difficult to identify. It has pink flowers when in bloom. The DNR warns individuals they can spread the species by illegally placing water garden plants in public bodies, and by moving water-related equipment.