In a general sense, geocaching around the world is achieved the same way: locate cache, sign log, trade items, log cache online. In Calgary, however, some extra precautions are taken because of our cohabitation with wildlife and our unpredictable weather.
Caching 101 dictates that foodstuffs are not good trade items. Pets, but especially wildlife, can discover a well-hidden cache without a GPS…they simply use their noses. Being responsible for our environment means being concerned for the welfare of the creatures in the Calgary habitat like squirrels, coyotes and jack rabbits. No canned items, either. Those creatures have good sniffers!
Because an animal’s sense of smell is far superior to humans, we must also consider poor trade items that are not food but do have a scent. Scented candles, dental floss, gum, toothpaste and even scratch’n’sniff stickers can be unearthed by a curious or hungry animal. Don’t count on a Ziploc bag to mask the smell.
While on the subject of candles – have you ever opened a cache box to discover a melted, gooey mess inside? Any items, like a children’s water puzzle, that can be damaged or distorted by extreme hot or cold weather are not a good idea. This also includes wet conditions. Tin-based toys will rust in a Calgary spring faster than you can say June bug.
By using a little forethought and a determination to only trade ‘safe’ items, you can make a difference in not only the next find but in our ecosystem as a whole. Though they cannot speak for themselves, our Calgary creatures thank you for it.
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