Pitching camp - Camping - page 81

Dealing with big pests
Deterring insects is on pp106-7, but bigger pests can pose
a danger, usually because of your food, and that needs to
be considered when pitching camp. Always keep a tidy
campsite, dispose of food and wastewater properly, and
where necessary keep your food safe. All animals can carry
disease, so if you do get bitten, seek medical attention.
Bears All bears can run faster than us, they can swim, and they
can climb trees. They also have a stunning sense of smell and
they're remarkably smart. The old trick of hanging your food
stash from a tree has been abandoned in some US National Parks
because the bears have figured out that by cutting the rope they
get the food. Bears, including grizzlies, rarely seek confrontation
with humans, though black bears are more inquisitive and
persistent in pursuit of human food. If you're camping at a site
where you may encounter bears, seek
advice and follow this basic code
of practice.
• Don't camp in heavy brush,
by the water's edge or near
animal tracks.
• Don't sleep in the open.
• Keep tents away from
where you cook and eat
your food.
• Don't bring food into
your tent.
• Keep food in bear-proof
containers.
• Keep your site clean, burn
what trash you can, never
bury it.