by MaryO

Created on: July 08, 2008

The best advice regarding wild animals and campers is to understand the environment you have entered and to respect it. Awareness is key. There are numerous things to consider that will help to avoid an unpleasant or potentially dangerous encounter with wildlife. Some common safety items and good planning are fundamental. Always carry a first aid kit, one in your vehicle and one on you if you plan to go hiking. Water, water purfier tablets, A sharp knife, string, flashlight, whistle. magnifying glass, tweezers, antiseptics, salve. aspirin, extra socks. Other things that are handy to have around are baking soda, aloe vera, witch hazel, guaze, a compass, waterproof matches, a small tarp. sun protection, hats, especially in deer country dry grass and ticks are abundant.

Consider the season, climate, temperatures, and vegetation. Have an awareness of native species and habitats, water sources, recent or current wildfires,(in nearby areas), snowpack and water availability, and the remoteness of your camp spot and its proximity to help if needed. Know your way out, make trail markers using small sticks, pine cones, rocks, people get lost in the wilderness and small measures can become a matter of survival. Even in established and crowded campgounds animal encounters may happen. Be prepared and be wise.

Some very basic precautions when you are in moose, elk, big cat, or grizzly country are of course to be aware of the animals foraging habits and your proximity to thier water and food supply. It is always wise if hiking or walking in the woods, to return to your camp prior to sunset and as much as possible to avoid waterways especially those that have rocky or heavily wooded banks,(streams and rivers). Dusk is when many predators begin to hunt and seek water.

Large cats(moutain lions, cougars, wildcats) in particular, search out water and begin to hunt near sundown. Big cats are stalkers and they are clever. You most likely will not see them see you, smell you and will watch. They are not overtly agressive towards humans unless sick or extremely hungry. Most the most part they avoid humans, but being aware of thier presence is important. If you plan to cook it's also a good idea to do this while there is still daylight especially in the evenings and in particular if you are using river or creek water, or plan to for washing utensils, pans or what have you.

Another important consideration and this applies to grizzlies foremost, (they are the most aggressive bears) and native

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