Nature and agriculture

WILD ANIMALS
Observe your surroundings carefully. If you spot animals, avoid them and observe them from a safe distance.

Wild animals react to human encounters with varying degrees of sensitivity. On well-frequented routes, activity often does not disturb the serenity of wild animals, because the disturbance is predictable. If, on the other hand, the movement comes from above and at high speed, it causes a great deal of stress, so be careful not to get too close to the wildlife when descending.

Remain flexible and, if necessary, adapt your route. Finally, avoid travelling at dawn or dusk, when the animals are looking for food.

WELCOME TO THE ALPAGE
Throughout the alpine pastures and visits to the chalets requires responsible behaviour: respect for the work of the herdsmen, the landscape and the flora and fauna. The herdsmen are grateful when the gates and barriers are closed and the herds are not disturbed. Dogs are kept on a lead and do not bathe in the water troughs; their faeces are collected and disposed of in bins to avoid any risk of poisoning the livestock. Visitors must follow the paths and not tread on the hay. All rubbish is collected; aluminium cans, for example, are particularly dangerous and even fatal if swallowed by livestock.

Alpine chalets are welcoming places, but they are also private property. Visitors are expected to be courteous (ask permission to enter, make their presence known, respect the privacy of the herdsmen and follow the instructions given). The herdsmen will be happy to welcome visitors, but they cannot always be as available as they would like.

PROTECTION DOGS
The presence of the lynx and the wolf in the Pre-Alps has led farmers to use protection dogs. Here are a few rules of conduct to observe when crossing a mountain pasture protected by a dog:
- Keep calm and avoid provoking the dogs with a stick or by sudden movements;
- Try to avoid the herd by going around it and disturbing it as little as possible.
- Keep your dog on a lead and keep it under control
- If you are cycling or running, stop and pass the herd slowly (at a walk)
- Do not pet the dogs, avoid playing with them or feeding them
- Ignore the dog if it follows you as you walk away; it will return to its herd.