When the temperatures rise and the sun shines again, many people in Germany pull out into the forests. Caution is required there in spring – and a good nose.
Regardless of whether it is a multi -day hike or a relaxed Sunday walk in the great outdoors. As soon as you have the smell of Maggi in your nose, you should turn back directly.
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Does it smell of Maggi? Caution, wild boar!
If it smells of Maggi wort, then there is probably a wild boar nearby. “Then take the way you came and enlarge the distance,” explains Jenifer Calvi from the German Wildlife Foundation.
The Maggi smell accidentally arises from the sprouting herbs in the forest, explains wild biologist Konstantin Börner from the Berlin Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research Opposite “Infranken”. The smell in particular attracts wild boars. Wherever it smells of Maggi, the wild animals are not far away – and the encounter can be particularly dangerous for hikers.
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In particular, wild boar mothers, who are often traveling in groups with their young, can perceive people as a danger and react particularly aggressively. Forest visitors can meet such families in every season.
When hikers meet such a wild animal, they should initially stand still, be quiet or hide behind a tree. “Wild boars see very badly,” explains the German Wildlainian Association. Then the following applies: watching the animal and slowly withdrawing in a different direction.
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Wildlife discovered? Don’t run away!
If large or wild animals suddenly cross the path while hiking in the forest and hallway, you can put a very nice horror. But running away is not always the best idea.
You meet animals when hiking: this is how you react correctly
Cows
It is not a good idea to walk through a herd of cows, says Wiesenthal. Hikers should pass the cows quickly and with enough distance. The American outdoor expert Rachel Levin also recommends that at least two meters distance and do not stop in her book “Cow Staring forbidden!”. As the title suggests, cows don’t like direct eye contact.
“If you can look into a cow in the eye, you are definitely too close,” says zookeeper Christoph Gorniak from the Akche Warder Warder farm project in Schleswig-Holstein. And he warns: “When you run towards cows, they feel pressed and go to confrontation.”
The highest caution is required when the cow has its calf nearby: “If you still have a dog in your arms, you are on it!”
Wolve
Usually, wolves keep enough distance from people. But in the mating season between February and March, the animals get closer to humans: “Sometimes the wolves are a bit confused,” explains Wiesenthal.
If you meet a wolf, you shouldn’t run away. Similar to dogs, wolves otherwise consider humans to be a fleeing prey, explains Wiesenthal. Instead, you can defend yourself with a piece of wood.
It also helps to show strength and make yourself big. “Raise, clap your hands, scream loudly, be dominant,” advises Calvi. Anyone who has seen a wolf should always report this to the authorities, for example the police.
Sheep
If you surprisingly meet sheep, you should wait for the herd to be over. “Cyclists should definitely descend and avoid the animals,” recommends zookeeper Gorniak. Of course, you should behave, not wet or scream confidently.
“Loud noises panic the animals.” If children want to stroke the sheep, you should definitely prevent it. “If the animals don’t like that, just pour the child around and throw it over the heap,” explains Gorniak.
Seagull
Have you ever had to do with rebellious seagulls on the beach or on the promenade? “You shouldn’t picnic near seagulls,” advises the Plöner ornithologist Bernd Koop. They beg, but they actually do nothing.
Except for seagulls with plenty of tourist experience: they begging until you give them a few bites from the picnic. If not, use the surprise effect and tear a child’s frame from the hand, says the expert.
However, caution is required near brutel. “To defend their offspring, they make a lot of noise and try to impress intruders with fall flights,” explains Koop. But that only works in anxious people.
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Lynx
Here Wiesenthal gives the all -clear: “Lynxes are very shy. You should be happy if you see one at all.” Then the animals take flight by themselves.
Deer
Deer are dangerous, especially in the Brunft time from September to October. Then the following applies: keep a distance and withdraw to a safe place, says Wiesenthal.
It is best not to check the animals at all, explains Calvi. It is important: dogs on your leash! In this way, people can prevent the animals from frightening and dangerous.
Foxes
Foxes are harmless as long as they are not sick. There is no longer rabies in Germany, but some foxes suffer from rage syllables, reports Wiesenthal. This disease is also contagious for humans, especially for dogs.
So: keep your distance, soften and on your dogs. Diseased foxes can be recognized by the fact that their fur looks terrible and the animals are injured. The biologist advises to inform the responsible hunter so that he takes care of the animal.
Raccoon
Raccoons only attack if they feel driven. “Then a raccoon can bite, that hurts,” says Wiesenthal. His advice: Raccoons shouldn’t approach raccoons and do not block escape routes.
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