Living well without fear: Safety awareness

by Sheri McGregor, M.A.

The recent story of Nancy Guthrie—an older woman taken from her home in the night—has captivated me and many of us. It’s so mysterious and disconcerting. A nice, much-loved woman living a settled, connected life. She appeared to live the kind of life many of us imagine and want for our “golden” years. I know there are other similar stories that are not as publicized, but that this one was–and brought more awareness. The unthinkable happened, disrupting an ordinary night and sending ripples of concern for safety among us all.

Around the same time, something much closer was unfolding at home for me—and I’ve drawn similar conclusions about safety at home—no matter from who … or what.

When safety at home feels uncertain

We live in a rural area where mountain lions are part of the landscape. Sightings aren’t unusual, though they’re typically at a distance. Reports here and there are a reminder that we share space with wildlife. I’ve always taken the attitude that people moved into their territories. As such, we learn to co-exist.

Then, one recent morning while walking my property like usual, I noticed a section of our sturdy deer fencing was bent, pushed down with force. Images came to mind. Pictures I’d seen on the Nextdoor app where people’s Ring cameras had caught bears hopping these sorts of fences like they were nothing. And, more recently, the mountain lions that cameras have caught on people’s driveways or even porches. Hmm.

Mountain lions in my county and a neighboring one have been studied in recent years because of their more aggressive behavior. There has been a dramatic increase in closer sightings and concern about behavioral changes that make them worrisome.

Still, I went on with my morning walk. Then, later that day, I noticed a dead deer lying in the grass down the hill on a neighboring property. A couple of turkey vultures were picking at the carcass. Hmm again. Our area is replete with deer herds, so an occasional dead one isn’t unusual—but usually there are ten or more birds taking turns. Had it been there for days already and I hadn’t noticed?

I peered through the fence wire, noting there wasn’t much meat on the bones. That’s why only two of the big red-headed birds were present. But this was close enough that I’d have noticed if it were a few days old. Plus, there’d be a smell. This had to be fresh.

The idea that it had been taken by a mountain lion registered, but I didn’t dwell. Living here, you learn to hold awareness without alarm. Still, I tread lightly and listened intently near heavy bushes as I made my way back to the house.

A few days later, a neighbor stopped to let us know that one of his goats had been taken by a mountain lion. That made it all clear. The bent fence. The dead deer. The path the big cat must have taken—straight through my yard. That fence bend is within clear sight of my bedroom window—not too far from the house. I’d better be careful.

The mountain lions I’d read about and had seen on Ring cameras a mile away were suddenly closer to home. One was moving on the same paths I walk every day.

I didn’t worry … much. More aware of the danger, yes. That night, I was sure to shine a strong-beam tactical flashlight around before stepping out with the dogs. I kept them close on their last trip out before bed at night. Careful, but not quite afraid, I continued my routines.

Then we were awakened by the crack of several gunshots in the wee hours of the night.

By morning, we learned that the mountain lion had returned, taken another goat, and had been killed. The Fish and Wildlife officer said they’d been seeing a lot of these young lions, old enough to make their own hunting territories—too close to humans trying to co-exist. Increasing population and new construction are driving them closer in our rural neighborhoods. There were sightings even during broad daylight. I felt sad about the big cats losing their land but relieved that this too-close-for-comfort one they termed “aggressive” was gone.

As I finished my walk that morning, I pondered how we live alongside things we don’t fully understand or even see. Not just wildlife or events like the Nancy Guthrie disappearance that make the news, but the fact that life—no matter what stage we’re in or where we live—holds situations and occurrences we can’t predict or control.

When I was much younger, I assumed like many people probably do that, after years of raising a family, navigating careers, and working to put food on the table, I’d arrive at a peaceful oasis. Aren’t these the “golden years”?

Of course, new life seasons bring new challenges. I’ve learned that I can remain calm within the chaos. It’s the one way I gain some control. Staying steady allows for better thinking, too. This all ties in with my book, Rumination Remedies, and why I wrote it.

With that mountain lion gone, I’m guessing other displaced ones might come closer than I’d like. So, I’m assessing where logical changes that support safety can be made, what thoughtful adjustments might help—and where I can simplify what’s too complicated for comfort.

Reevaluating safety measures

It’s important to take notice, analyze, and shift for more awareness, ease, and to be better prepared.

After the Nancy Guthrie story hit the news, I began to think about our outdoor cameras that hadn’t worked well enough to make them of value—but I didn’t take action. The mountain lion had me revisit that again. With recently improved internet service here, activating the cameras again made sense. A reasonable, proactive step. Something to take charge of not necessarily in fear but because life involves situations you can’t always predict. Taking action based on reality allows for a fuller, more peaceful way of life. Might as well enjoy what’s good while recognizing I live in a larger, more complex world.

If you’ve been thinking about Nancy Guthrie’s abduction, or you’re reacting to other news, or something closer to home—where can you take sensible action? I’ve compiled a few ideas below.

Ways to stay safer without living in fear

Whether managing danger from wildlife predators or keeping safe from other potential harms such as a would-be human intruders or injury from a fall, assessing risk and mitigating it is imperative.

Be intentional about your safety. What works for one danger often works for others. Here are a few areas to start:

• Revisit your surroundings.
  Walk your home and property with fresh eyes. Are there dark areas that could use lighting? Entry points that could be more secure? Also, check for slippery areas or obstacles that could trip you up.
• Use what’s available now.
  Technology changes. Cameras, motion lights, or simple alert systems can help.  Some lighting and cameras even work on solar power.
• Stay connected.
  Let someone know your general routines. A quick check-in with a neighbor or friend can make a difference. Some areas have telephone volunteers who check in with vulnerable residents who are older or infirm. Look into your regional services. You might check your local area agency on aging or ask your doctor. Sometimes friends are the best resources.
• Adjust timing and habits.
  A small shift in when or how you do things can add a layer of safety. Walk during the day, for example. (Perhaps carry bear spray or a horn.) And vary your routine.
• Trust your noticing.
  That hmm moment matters. It’s wise to pay attention to changes in your environment. Also, listen to your inner voice.

The goal isn’t to live in fear. Rather, I encourage you to live awake. Thoughtful awareness to what’s around you, what’s changing, and what steps can help make sense. That’s what I’m doing. I hope you are, too.

Related

Is an inciting incident keeping you stuck?