The Wild

Daily writing prompt

Do you ever see wild animals?

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I have been very lucky with respect to wildlife. I know that its partially a numbers game, and that the time I spend in nature greatly increases the probability of wildlife encounters. I also understand that by going alone into the wilds I further increase the probability of encounters. This can be both a good thing and a bad thing.

When I come across a bear or wolf – not always great. The time that a cougar wandered through my camp – also not pleasant. Less lethal, and more intriguing was the time that a garter snake curled up beside me at a campfire on Vancouver Island. Or the sea otter that came all the way up the beach to literally slap me in the face while I was sleeping in the afternoon sun. I thought it was a wet dog until I sat up and found a bunch of people recording the scene on their phones.

In Panama I was a squirrel daddy. For some reason the local squirrels sought me out, and always wanted to be around me. It actually became a problem when they started coming into the hostal I was managing to find me. Crazy right?

There is no real explanation I can offer for why the wild things seem to seek me out, or why I so often find myself in their company. In this I am simply blessed.

Live Free, Be Wild!