Why Alpine Animals Face a New Predator in their Territory

↠Check out how sperm whales learned to outsmart their hunters: https://youtu.be/VaCJb1JxcA8

Skiing is known for its effects on the environment, though backcountry skiing is often seen as a lower-impact option. But with a recent explosion of interest in the sport, what does this mean for wildlife in the mountains? We explore some of the unexpected ways in which recreation can affect animals like deer and elk – sometimes with fatal consequences. What makes it such a problem in winter? And how can we enjoy skiing responsibly?

If you are planning a backcountry expedition, follow these tips to help protect local wildlife:
− Respect signs, especially no-access areas (which may mark feeding or wintering areas for wildlife, or areas of rejuvenating forest)
− Stick to marked trails
− Avoid twilight (an important feeding time)
− Avoid forest edges, feeding stations, and snow-free patches
− Avoid noise
− Keep a greater distance from wildlife than you think you need to
− Keep dogs on leashes
− Change route (even be prepared to go back) if you spot wildlife
− Avoid shining headtorches into the undergrowth (only ski on marked pistes at night)

Thank you for watching, and see you next time!


???? Video sources:
0:10 und 00:16 - Sölden Big 3 presented by skimap Touch 3D
https://vimeo.com/212714570

02:41-02:46
Infinite Mountain Experiences by Les 3 Vallées
https://youtu.be/Tz-p9d2yA6s

06:03
Grand Teton National Park
https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm


???? Scientific sources:
01:08
Backcountry skiing sees resurgence – and the deadliest week for avalanches since 1910
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/mar/05/avalanches-deadliest-week-skiing#:~:text=An%20estimated%201.3%20million%20people,sold%20out%20of%20several%20models.

01:26
Conclusions: managing tourism sustainability in mountain destinations
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/WHATT-01-2018-0003/full/html

02:37
Ski Resorts Alps - Skiing in the Alps
https://www.skiresort.info/ski-resorts/alps/

05:02 und 05:15
Auf den Puls gefühlt
https://www.vetmeduni.ac.at/fileadmin/v/fiwi/Publikationen/Populaerwissenschaftliche/Auf_den_Puls_gef%C3%BChlt_Der_Anblick_August2020.pdf

06:44
Keeping Social Distance (From Wildlife): WCS Newsroom
https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/16079/Keeping-Social-Distance-From-Wildlife.aspx

07:30
Respektiere Deine Grenzen
https://www.respektieredeinegrenzen.at/


???????? More information:
The Effect of Ski-Pistes on Birds and Mammals
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258627337_The_Effect_of_Ski-Pistes_on_Birds_and_Mammals

Respecting wildlife while backcountry skiing
https://wilderness-society.org/respecting-wildlife-while-backcountry-skiing/

Respekt am Berg: https://www.alpenverein.at/portal/natur-umwelt/respektamberg/index.php

Seasonal habitat selection and impacts of backcountry recreation on a formerly migratory bighorn sheep population in Northwest Wyoming, USA
https://www.nps.gov/grte/learn/nature/upload/Courtemanch-MS-Thesis_Teton-bighorn-sheep_revised-opt.pdf

#terramatters