Need to escape the concrete jungle? Camping offers starry nights, fresh air and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural world. It's also one of the best ways to experience and interact with wildlife. On your next camping trip, follow these tips for observing animals, staying safe and minimizing your impact on the nature world.
Pack on the Essentials
Since camping is all about connecting with nature, try channeling your inner "Survivorman" when packing your bag. Only bring what you absolutely need and minimize bulky containers by repacking food into plastic bags. The golden rule of camping in wilderness areas is to leave the site just as you found it, so packing light will minimize the amount of trash you'll have to haul out at the end of your trip.
Camping also offers an excellent opportunity for viewing wildlife in their natural environment. Since most animals will keep their distance from humans, bring a pair of binoculars or a spotting scope so you can get the best view possible. And don't forget your camera – wilderness settings are a photographer's dream!
Observing Wildlife
You don't need to be an expert in bird calls or moose grunts in order to attract wildlife, although these skills will undoubtedly come in handy. You simply need to know where, when and how to look for animals. Start by looking for tracks as you pass through a wild area. Bear tracks are distinct and often accompanied by scat and broken branches. On the other hand, large cats such as cougars tend to be quite stealthy, so it's rare for campers to observe these animals or their tracks. Deer and other herbivores tend to be easier to spot, but keep in mind that where there is prey, a predator is never far behind.
Wild animals tend to be most active early and late in the day, so choose these times to do your animal observations. It also helps to know the seasonal migration patterns of a particular animal you would like to see. An area might be filled with large mammal herds and flocks of majestic birds during the summer months, but be completely abandoned by animals during the winter. Before you set out on your trip, pick up an animal field guide to learn all you need to know about the movements and habits of the local animal populations.
Staying Safe
Since much of the U.S. is bear territory, it is important to be "bear aware" when you camp. Most bears would prefer to avoid an encounter with humans, but sneaking up on a sow with cubs can cause the mother bear to become aggressive. As you move through a wild area, don't remain quiet for long. Instead, make noise as you walk, especially if you cannot see the trail ahead of you. If you do encounter a bear, don't run. This may trigger their chase instinct. Instead, stand tall, speak loudly in a calm voice, and back away slowly.
Predators are most active at dawn and dusk, so it's best not to venture far from camp at these times if you want to avoid an encounter. It's also a good idea to steer clear of animal carcasses as there are usually predators nearby. Also, keep to the trails, travel in groups, and always let others in your party known where you are going and when you plan to return.
The sight of wild animals in their natural setting can be awe-inspiring. As you take in the majesty of wildlife, remember to play it safe by standing a safe distance away – at least 50 yards – and keeping a close eye on children and pets.
Hoist Up Your Food
Nothing spoils a camping trip like leaving your food out for a bear or raccoon to eat. Remember to keep your food tightly packed and raised high off the ground, either using a food pole or a tree branch. Another tip for avoiding hungry animal intruders at a campsite is to refrain from cooking and storing odorous food near your sleeping area. It's also best not to sleep in the clothes you cook in and to store cooking clothes and gear at least 100 yards away from your sleeping area. Also, never feed a wild animal. Once an animal gets accustomed to human food, it becomes a risk to public safety and may be relocated or destroyed by wildlife authorities.
