Avoiding Dangerous Wildlife Encounters

Objective

Prevent dangerous encounters by understanding animal behavior, securing camp, and choosing smart travel habits.

Scenario (Example)

Example: Black bear activity near campsites; coyotes vocal at night; snakes warming on trails at dawn.

Prevention

• Cook and store food 70 m from sleeping area; use bear can or hang properly.
• Make noise in dense brush; avoid running at dawn/dusk.
• Check wind; avoid traveling with wind at your back.

Encounters

• Bear: Back away slowly; don’t run. Make yourself look bigger. If it approaches, shout and throw rocks near (not at) first.
• Cougar: Maintain eye contact; raise arms; pick up children; back away.
• Snake: Step on logs, not over; give space; don’t handle “dead” snakes.

Real Example

Camp that moved the cook area and stored trash in a bear can had zero visits after two nights of prior activity.

Checklist

• Bear can/odor-proof bags
• Headlamp, whistle
• Long pants and boots in snake country

Contingencies

• Animal persists → retreat as a group; change campsite.
• Bite/scratch → clean, cover, seek medical help due to infection risk.

After-Action

Note what food smells drew attention and adjust your storage habits.

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