Dogs

Everybody likes dogs (well, most people). Everyone likes parks. The problem for parks with wildlife is the some people insist on having both together. Mt. St. Helena has clearly marked signs saying no dogs, and yet nearly every hike I take there, I run into people who have walked right past the no dogs sign with their dog.


Signs at the start of the trail

Someone even felt so strongly about the rules not applying to them that they vandalized the second "no dogs on trail" sign that one would see during the climb.


Sign shortly after emerging from the forest trail onto the fire road

Fortunately, one day I saw rangers working the trail, ticketing people who ignored the signs. Maybe there are some people who are otherwise decent and just don't understand how the mere presence of dogs affects wildlife by scaring away creatures that are their natural prey. Your dog is friendly and lovable to you, but to a rabbit it's a predator that it must avoid. Some parks are ok for dogs, but there are very few places now for wild animals to live unmolested and Mt. St. Helena is supposed to be one of them. I hope a few people will reconsider their actions, and respect the notices. I hope also that the state will fix the vandalized sign.

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