Wildlife Safety While Camping

Encountering wildlife is part of camping's magic—but it requires respect and preparation. Here's how to stay safe while sharing the wilderness.

Bear Safety

Prevention

• Store food properly: Bear canisters, hanging, or lockers
• Cook and eat away from camp (200+ feet)
• Never keep food in your tent
• Clean up completely: No crumbs, spills, or trash

Bear Encounters

Black Bears

• Make noise to announce your presence
• If approached, make yourself large, yell
• Fight back if attacked

Grizzly Bears

• Don't run—back away slowly
• Avoid eye contact
• If charged, stand your ground (often bluff)
• If attacked, play dead (face down, protect neck)

Bear Spray

• Know how to use it BEFORE you need it
• Keep accessible (not in pack)
• Effective range: 20-30 feet
• Works better than firearms statistically

Mountain Lion Safety

• Make noise while hiking
• Don't hike alone at dawn/dusk
• Never run—triggers chase instinct
• Face the animal, make yourself large
• Fight back if attacked

Snake Safety

Prevention

• Watch where you step and put hands
• Use a flashlight at night
• Shake out shoes and sleeping bags
• Stay on established trails

If Bitten

• Stay calm, limit movement
• Remove jewelry (swelling will occur)
• Keep bite below heart level
• Get to medical care immediately
• Don't cut, suck, or tourniquet

Other Wildlife

Moose

• More dangerous than bears in some areas
• Give wide berth, especially cows with calves
• If charged, get behind a tree

Rodents

• Store food to prevent attraction
• Can carry hantavirus (don't disturb nests)
• Keep tent closed

Insects

• Use repellent with DEET or Picaridin
• Check for ticks daily
• Know signs of allergic reactions

General Wildlife Guidelines

1. Never feed wildlife
2. Observe from distance (use binoculars)
3. Store all scented items properly (toiletries too)
4. Make noise on trails
5. Travel in groups when possible

Stay wild and stay safe! 🐻