PNW Wildlife Workshop

Join Gearhouse and Conservation Northwest for a discussion about Pacific Northwest (PNW) wildlife. You'll learn about the region's rich biodiversity, including key species such as black bears, mountain lions, elk, and more. The class will explore their habitats, behaviors, ecological roles, and the challenges they face due to climate change, human development, and habitat fragmentation.

You’ll also learn best practices for encountering wildlife, including:

• Keep your distance: Observe animals from afar to avoid stressing them or provoking defensive behavior.
• Stay on trails: Minimize your impact on habitats and avoid surprising wildlife.
• Do not feed wildlife: Feeding animals can harm their health and change natural behaviors, making them dependent on or aggressive toward humans.
• Store food properly: Use bear-proof containers or hang food when camping to avoid attracting wildlife.
• Make noise in dense areas: Alert animals to your presence to prevent surprise encounters, especially with bears or cougars.

By following these practices, you help ensure both your safety and the well-being of the animals, supporting Conservation Northwest’s mission of coexisting with the wild.
Who is this for?

• Gearhouse members
• Public

Conservation Northwest is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and connecting wildlands and wildlife across the Pacific Northwest. Through advocacy, habitat restoration, and collaborative partnerships, Conservation NW works to ensure a future where iconic species like wolves, lynx, and grizzly bears thrive in healthy, connected ecosystems from the coast to the Cascades and beyond.