Wildlife Encounters

Guidelines for respectful interactions with animals in their natural habitats

Safe Distance Guidelines

Maintaining appropriate distance is crucial for wildlife safety and yours:

General Wildlife

50+ yards

Most wildlife including deer, elk, and smaller animals

Large Animals

25+ yards

Bison, moose, and other large mammals

Predators

100+ yards

Bears, wolves, mountain lions, and other predators

⚠️ If an animal is looking at you, you're too close!

Essential Do's and Don'ts

✅ DO:

  • Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals
  • Use binoculars or zoom lenses for closer views
  • Hike in groups when possible
  • Stay aware using your eyes, ears, and nose
  • Watch for animal tracks and droppings
  • Store food in wildlife-resistant containers
  • Dispose of all waste properly
  • Report unusual animal behavior to rangers
  • Follow all local wildlife regulations

❌ DON'T:

  • Feed any wild animals - it changes their behavior
  • Approach or touch wildlife, no matter how tame they seem
  • Chase or block an animal's path
  • Use flash photography
  • Provoke, sneak up on, or scare animals
  • Hike at dawn, dusk, or night when animals are most active
  • Leave food or trash accessible to wildlife
  • Attempt selfies with wild animals
  • Use drones near wildlife

If You Encounter Wildlife

1. Stop and Stay Calm

Don't run - running may trigger the animal's instinct to attack or chase.

2. Back Away Slowly

Maintain eye contact and move away slowly. Don't turn your back.

3. Make Yourself Large

Raise your arms or jacket above your head. Stand on something to appear taller.

4. Make Noise

Talk calmly and firmly. Clap your hands. Most animals will avoid human contact.

Leave No Trace Principles

Protecting wildlife habitats is essential for conservation:

  • Plan ahead and prepare - know the wildlife in your area
  • Travel and camp on durable surfaces
  • Dispose of waste properly - pack it in, pack it out
  • Leave what you find - don't disturb natural features
  • Minimize campfire impacts
  • Respect wildlife - observe from a distance
  • Be considerate of other visitors

Species-Specific Guidelines

🐻 Bears

  • Make noise to avoid surprises
  • Never run from a bear
  • Store food in bear-proof containers
  • If attacked, don't play dead with black bears

🦌 Deer & Elk

  • Watch for signs during mating season
  • Never get between adults and young
  • Be extra cautious during rutting season
  • Give them wide berth on trails

🐺 Wolves & Coyotes

  • Make yourself appear large
  • Maintain eye contact
  • Back away slowly
  • Make noise and throw objects if approached

🐍 Snakes

  • Watch where you step and sit
  • Use a flashlight at night
  • Give them space to escape
  • Never attempt to handle