At Clearing Farm, you’re truly in the wilderness. Untouched forests span for thousands and thousands of acres on all sides of the property. Within all this land is a great diversity of wildlife that should be respected at all times for this space is their home more than it is ours. We are the visitors here and we should give all these animals and their natural surrounding the utmost respect.
You should also proceed with caution as many of these animals are dangerous.
Animals You Might See
The most common animals you’ll see while visiting us are birds, deer, turkeys, hummingbirds, and chipmunks. Other animals that are much more concealed in the environment that you might see are: foxes, mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, porcupines, skunks, wolves, and bears.
Your Animals
If you brought a dog that’s awesome. Please do not leave it unattended. The animals listed above are either predator or prey and you don’t want any incidents. Here is a quick overview of some of the more dangerous animals in the area.
Bears
Numerous types of animals live in Sullivan County, but black bears are the most startling to meet. Black Bears usually go into hibernation in January and stay in their den until April.
If you see a bear remain watchful. Do not approach it.If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.)-you’re too close. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. The bear is demanding more space. Don’t run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Try to increase the distance between you and the bear. The bear will probably do the same.
If a bear persistently follows or approaches you, with out vocalizing, or paw swatting, change your direction. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it.Act aggressively to intimidate the bear. Act together as a group if you have companions. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground).
Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. Use a deterrent such as a stout stick. Don’t run and don’t turn away from the bear. Don’t leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems.
Ticks
Ticks are a present danger in New York and in particular Sullivan County where Clearing Farm is located. Ticks are worrisome for many reasons but mostly because some ticks carry Borrelia bacteria, the cause of Lyme disease. Ticks are always present unless the temperature is below freezing but even then it’s wise to always do a tick check just in case.
To avoid ticks:
- Wear light colored clothing so you can easily spot them on you;
- Wear long sleeves and pants then tuck pants into socks so the ticks can’t crawl in through an opening;
- Braid or cover long lose hair to avoid them getting lost in your hair.
When coming in from outside activities where you might have encountered ticks, throw clothing into the dryer set on high heat. This will ensure no ticks survive on your clothing. Remember to do a tick check, take a shower and wash your hair. Keep pets that have outside exposure off furniture especially bedding.
Tick Checks
Thorough tick checks should be done daily or ideally whenever coming in after outside activities.
Check dark, moist areas:
- Hair
- Cracks behind ears
- Knees
- Elbows
- Underarm
- Crotch
Also, don’t forget to check your pets for ticks when they come inside.
Tick Removal
Ticks should be removed promptly. The longer it’s attached the higher
the chance of disease transmission. Remove it carefully to prevent disease
transmission.
- Using fine pointed tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible without squeezing the tick’s body.
- Firmly pull it straight out (expect to feel some resistance). Save the tick for future testing by placing it in a plastic bag or in a small jar of al- cohol. If a tick is to be tested for spirochetes place it in a small jar or vial with a blade of grass to keep it alive. Be sure to note the date and site of the bite for future reference.o the skin as possible without squeezing the tick’s body.
- Remember to disinfect the site of the bite, wash your hands and disinfect your tweezers.
- Contact your doctor.
NEVER: squeeze the tick, burn it, or cover it with Vaseline or any other substance.
For the most part, as long as you’re aware of your surroundings, practice respect towards the environment, you should have a wonderful outdoor adventure free of any incidents.