Safety Guidelines

Protecting yourself and animals during encounters

Emergency Response Protocol

🚨 If Attacked

  • Bears: Fight back if it's a black bear, play dead for grizzlies
  • Cougars: Fight back aggressively, maintain eye contact
  • Wolves/Coyotes: Fight back, throw objects, make noise
  • Moose/Elk: Get behind solid cover immediately

📞 Emergency Contacts

  • Call 911 for immediate emergencies
  • Report to park rangers immediately
  • Contact local wildlife authorities
  • Seek medical attention for any injury

Prevention is Key

Before Your Trip

  • Research wildlife in the area you're visiting
  • Check recent wildlife activity reports
  • Plan your route and share it with someone
  • Pack appropriate safety equipment
  • Know the nearest medical facilities

Essential Safety Gear

  • Bear spray (where appropriate)
  • Whistle or air horn
  • First aid kit
  • Communication device (phone/radio)
  • Flashlight/headlamp
  • Emergency shelter/blanket

Group Safety

  • Stay together - groups deter wildlife
  • Make noise while moving
  • Keep children in the middle
  • Designate a wildlife spotter
  • Have an emergency plan

Time and Season Considerations

High-Risk Periods:

  • Dawn & Dusk: Many animals are most active
  • Spring: Bears emerging from hibernation, animals with newborns
  • Fall: Mating season for elk, moose, and deer
  • Night: Predators hunt, reduced visibility

⚠️ Avoid hiking alone during these high-risk times

Food and Campsite Safety

Food Storage

  • Use bear-proof containers or hang food 12+ feet high
  • Store all scented items (toiletries, sunscreen)
  • Cook and eat away from sleeping areas
  • Never leave food unattended
  • Dispose of waste in wildlife-proof containers

Camp Setup

  • Choose sites away from animal trails
  • Avoid camping near water sources
  • Keep a clean camp - no food scraps
  • Store gear properly when not in use
  • Know escape routes from your tent

Recognizing Dangerous Situations

Leave the Area Immediately If You Notice:

Fresh Animal Signs

  • Recent tracks in mud or snow
  • Fresh scat (droppings)
  • Claw marks on trees
  • Disturbed vegetation

Behavioral Warnings

  • Unusual animal vocalizations
  • Birds suddenly going quiet
  • Other animals fleeing
  • Feeling of being watched

Environmental Cues

  • Fresh kill or carcass
  • Strong animal odors
  • Disturbed ground or logs
  • Animal feeding areas

After an Encounter

Important Steps:

  1. Report to Authorities: Always report close encounters or aggressive behavior
  2. Document Details: Note time, location, animal behavior, and outcome
  3. Warn Others: Inform other hikers or visitors in the area
  4. Seek Medical Attention: Even for minor injuries - wild animals carry diseases
  5. Follow Up: Provide information to wildlife management as requested