Why can't we walk our dogs in the Nature Study Area?

Описание: Did you know that the presence of just one dog can impact wildlife? Watch this video to find out why dogs are not allowed in the Nature Study Area at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center. Additional information below!

Please note that service animals are permitted. The Americans with Disabilities Act defines service animals as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.

Why can’t we walk our dogs in the Nature Study Area (NSA) at Effie Yeaw Nature Center?

Animals have a keen sense of sight, smell and hearing, all of which allow them to find food and evade danger. Their survival depends on their response to sensory stimulus! Birds, deer, hares, rabbits, and other animals think of dogs – even the friendliest ones – as predators. The presence of a dog, even on a leash, will disrupt their normal behaviors and put wildlife at risk.

The scent of “predator” causes a stress response, which may prevent an animal from foraging, or tending their young. It can also cause injury when fleeing from perceived danger. At the Nature Center we can tell when someone has their dog with them because we see deer bounding through the nature area in a stress-induced flight response. We know that stress is harmful to our health – it turns out that it is also harmful for animals.

While it is clear from our experience in exploring the American River Parkway, we have observed that in natural areas where dogs are not allowed, people see more wildlife and can get closer to it. Whereas, in areas where dogs visit, wildlife commonly stay out of sight or leave the area. Current research on how dogs impact wildlife areas and its surrounding watershed is consistent and compelling. Please find additional information below.

From Portland's Metro Department's publication, "Parks in Nature" in April 2016:
https://www.oregonmetro.gov/sites/def...

From the County of San Mateo Parks Department:
https://parks.smcgov.org/sites/parks....

Peer reviewed scientific journal demonstrates how a dog walking in a woodland habitat leads to a 35% reduction in bird diversity and 41% reduction in abundance. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...

The National Park Service examines The Effects of Dogs on Wildlife Communities: https://www.nps.gov/goga/learn/manage...

How can I help protect wildlife areas and our watershed?

Do not bring your dogs to the Effie Yeaw Nature Center’s Nature Study Area (NSA)
Dogs are prohibited in the Nature Study Area located in Ancil Hoffman Park. This designated Watchable Wildlife area provides a protected habitat for wildlife along the American River. Dogs can be leash in any other area of the Parkway, just not in the NSA at Effie Yeaw Nature Center.

Scoop the Poop
Pet waste left on the ground anywhere can be carried by rain or irrigation water into our local creeks and rivers, contributing to pollution. Pick up after your pets and encourage others to do the same. Carry a plastic bag with you when you walk your dog and use it to pick up the poop, then throw it in the trash.

https://waterresources.saccounty.net/...

Thank for reading this important information and for your active stewardship of the natural world all around us!