Preventing Animal Encounters during Camping Trips

Camping is a great way to return to nature. However, it could put you in danger with certain animals. While some animals, like squirrels and raccoons, can be fun to watch, others, like bears and mountain lions, can become dangerous if you don’t take precautions beforehand. Camping has some risks, so taking the necessary precautions before going out on your trip is important.

Before going in-depth about what tips to follow to prevent an accident with any animal, it must be noted that in most hiking and camping areas, there will be signs put up to warn campers of specific animals. Some signs may also contain specific advice for particular animals.

First, you need to be aware of bears. Bears are the most well-known animal-related danger associated with camping. Bear encounters are fairly common, especially in rural areas such as national forests and parks. While they can be dangerous, bears are also quite predictable. If you know what to expect of bears and how to behave around them, you’ll greatly reduce your risk of an encounter. Your best option is to bring food inside a bear-resistant canister. Also, ensure to keep your campsite clean, as bears are attracted to odors. If you don’t want to bring a canister, you can also hang your food in a tree using a rope, but make sure the branch is high enough that a bear can’t climb up. Bring some bear spray if you’re camping in bear country.

While bears are common in the lower 48 states, mountain lions are found in the West. About 30,000 mountain lions live in the US (including the black panther species). Despite their name, mountain lions can be found in any habitat, although they prefer wooded areas. They are nocturnal and very secretive, so people rarely see them. To avoid a mountain lion encounter, ensure you do not hike alone and also try to make noise while in the woods. You can also reduce your risk by not wearing or bringing fragrant or brightly colored clothing. Like bears, you’ll want to bring food inside a canister and clean your campsite.

Camping in areas with lots of trees and foliage brings you closer to snakes. While rattlesnakes are more commonly sighted during desert camping, you can also find other snakes at high elevations. You can reduce the risk of snake encounters by wearing proper footwear when walking through brushy areas. If you encounter a snake, do not try to kill it. Instead, move away from the snake slowly and carefully. If there’s one thing to remember about snakes, they’re less likely to bite when there’s movement nearby.

Finally, try to be careful with your cooking. Avoid cooking more than you or your family can eat at a sitting, as animals may pick up the scent of leftover food. Avoid cooking food that will give off a strong scent, such as fish. You can cook frozen or pre-packaged food since they can be made quickly. Also, use oil so less food will get stuck in your pots or pans. Don’t forget to clean every utensil and cooking area after cooking.

Being close to nature is one of the best parts of camping. However, it’s important not to let your guard down when outside. In addition to the protective measures mentioned, you can also bring a walking stick as a way to protect yourself.

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