Seasonal change calls for safety measures

As summer turns to autumn a new set of risks arises for Sisters Country recreationalists. This is elk rutting time, for example, and the males - bulls - weighing up to 700 pounds can be dangerously aggressive.

Photo Courtesy ODFW

The elk rut is underway. These big, majestic creatures can be aggressive.

The elk rut, starting mid-September, is a wild time of year, both for the elk and for onlookers. From a safe vantage point, say 100 or more yards, you can watch the bull attracting, herding, and fighting for his harem. He uses a high-pitch bugle sound to attract cows (females) and his horns and aggression are in full force.

The bigger and more mature bulls have the best chances of mating. The drama doesn't just take place in the mountains. It can happen in Sisters Country hay fields, or on the golf course at Black Butte Ranch.

Not that you're likely to ever get that close. But beware.

The same with deer. They will usually run away if a human comes near, but deer can and will attack humans in certain situations. One of those situations is during the rut, or their mating season, which occurs in the fall. This is when bucks become aggressive and territorial.

Cougars, reaching maturity in summer, will separate from their mothers and seek their own territory in early fall and, as such, are covering more terrain.

It's also the start of hunting season. August, September and October are the months when most big game hunters will be in the woods or on the grasslands. Many hunters have long-standing traditions of deer or elk camp spent with family and friends.

Western Oregon deer season is October 5 to November 8.

It's also frog migration time. Thousands, many thousands, of western toadlets are on the move from streams and ponds to dry land. Watch where you walk as these tiny creatures stand no chance from your foot. This will last another few weeks at least.

Not all risk is animal rooted. By now, the forest is tinderbox dry demanding more vigilance and adherence to burning bans. Humans cause nearly 90 percent of wildfires in the United States via discarded cigarettes, unattended campfires, burning debris, or through equipment malfunctions, according to Western Fire Chiefs Association.

Due to continued hot weather and extremely dry vegetation, the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, and Prineville District Bureau of Land Management (BLM) moved into Stage 2 public use fire restrictions on Monday, July 22.

Stage 2 public use fire restrictions prohibit open fires, including wood stoves and charcoal briquette fires on all Central Oregon public lands including developed campgrounds and Wilderness areas.

Liquid and pressurized gas stoves, lanterns, and fire pits with an on and off switch are allowed outside of designated campgrounds with some exceptions. Always know before you go.

It is prime mushroom time in Sisters Country. Experts at Central Oregon Mushroom Club warn: "Here in Central Oregon we love being outdoors with our four-legged best friends and taking advantage of this amazing place we live in.

"Humans know better than to eat wild mushrooms without knowing what's safe and what's not, but dogs, on the other hand, love to get into things that smell delicious.

"Tragically there is a family of mushrooms that can quickly kill a dog if the issue is not addressed immediately. A large family of mushrooms called Amanita are the main culprits in our area. These can also be deadly to humans. The two known locally are Amanita aprica and Amanita pantherina. It's unknown why, but mycologists think there is a compound in the mushroom that gives off a fish-like odor and is irresistible to some dogs.

"One key to getting your pet the necessary medical attention is proper identification of the mushroom he/she may have eaten. If possible, take a sample of the suspect mushroom with you to the veterinarian, including a small sample of any material your pet may have vomited.

"A plastic container will do for the vomit. The mushroom sample will help your vet to quickly determine the best treatment for your pet. Time is very important."