Wildlife Encounters
How to Minimize Wildlife Encounters
Make noise, travel in groups
Don’t wear headphones
Do wear a bear bell
Keep kids and dogs close
Don’t get between a mother & her young
Avoid hiking at dawn or dusk if possible
Do not feed the animals
Wrap foods in oder proof bags
Look for animal tracks
Ask a Ranger for wildlife sightnings in the area
If You Encounter Wildlife
Be calm, don’t run, back away slowly, going sideways
Make noise to alert your presence if seen from afar
Never approach to take a photo!
Watch for mother’s young, don’t get between.
Consider carrying bear spray (know how to use it)
BEAR: if approached: Group together, look big, wave arms, be loud
MOOSE: if aggressive: Quickly run out of view, up a tree, behind a boulder/rock.
MOUNTAIN LION: if approached: Look big, be loud. Don’t crouch down.
Items to consider having on the trail …
BEAR BELL: I have one on my backpack on every hike even in winter. Makes a slight jingle and lets any wildlife nearby aware of your presence and most likely they will avoid you.
BEAR SPRAY: I have personally never had to use this but do carry it when in areas prone to bear activity.
ODER PROOF BAGS: I recently was told about this product from a fellow hiker. Might be an item worth checking into to carry foods.
ANIMAL TRACKS POCKET GUIDE: I carry this with me simply for fun yet it does come in handy for being aware of wildlife activity on the trail.
