Vedic Living in the Wild
The Vedic Eco Village is situated in a mountain valley surrounded by dense forest. Villagers and visitors must coexist with many creatures, big and small, and take responsibility for the welfare of all.
Rodents: From tiny mice to fluffy packrats, everyone is looking for food, and human settlements are abundant sources. Please ensure all food items are kept inside buildings, and stored in rodent-proof containers (ideally glass or metal, they can chew through plastic and wood). Catch and release methods only, no lethal snap or sticky traps.
Rattlesnakes: Rodents attract rattlesnakes. It is everyone's responsibility to use a high level of awareness and caution during snake season. Snakes sense vibrations and heat signatures. Always announce your presence, observe the path in front of you, and do not walk through tall grass. Keep your ears tuned for the warning sound of a rattle. Snakes want to avoid you as much as you do them. If a rattlesnake is frequenting a human area, it will be caught and released in a far off place. There are also garter snakes, common in the garden.
Bears: Bears are attracted to food aromas and bountiful fruit trees. Store all food inside and ideally in smell-proof containers. If a bear comes into the area, loud noises like banging pots will scare them away.
It is extremely important not to allow bears to become comfortable in human settled areas, as some humans resort to calling conservation officers which results in the death of the bear.