Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
however. Here are some tips in case you and a bear scare each other. Most of all,
avoid surprising a bear. Talk or sing where visibility or hearing are limited, such
as along a rushing creek or in thick brush. In grizzly country especially, carry bear
spray in a holster on your pack belt where you can quickly grab it. While hiking,
watch for bear tracks (five toes), droppings (sizable with leaves, partly digested
berries, seeds, and/or animal fur), or rocks and roots along the trail that show signs
of being dug up (this could be a bear looking for bugs to eat). Keep a clean camp,
hang food or use bearproof storage containers, and don't sleep in the clothes you
wore while cooking. Be especially careful to avoid getting between a mother and
her cubs. In late summer and fall bears are busy eating to fatten up for winter, so
be extra careful around berry bushes and oakbrush. If you do encounter a bear,
move away slowly while facing the bear, talk softly, and avoid direct eye contact.
Give the bear room to escape. Since bears are very curious, it might stand upright
to get a better whiff of you, and it may even charge you to try to intimidate you.
Try to stay calm. If a black bear attacks you, fight back with anything you have
handy. If a grizzly bear attacks you, your best option is to “play dead” by lying
face down on the ground and covering the back of your neck and head with your
hands. Unleashed dogs have been known to come running back to their owners
with a bear close behind. Keep your dog on a leash or leave it at home.
Mountain lions.
Mountain lions appear to be getting more comfortable around
humans as long as deer (their favorite prey) are in an area with adequate cover.
Usually elusive and quiet, lions rarely attack people. If you meet a lion, give it a
chance to escape. Stay calm and talk firmly to it. Back away slowly while facing
the lion. If you run, you'll only encourage the cat to chase you. Make yourself
look large by opening a jacket, if you have one, or waving your hiking poles. If
the lion behaves aggressively throw stones, sticks, or whatever you can while re-
maining tall. If a lion does attack, fight for your life with anything you can grab.
Moose.
Because moose have very few natural predators, they don't fear hu-
mans like other animals. You might find moose in sagebrush and wetter areas of
willow, aspen, and pine, or in beaver habitats. Mothers with calves, as well as
bulls during mating season, can be particularly aggressive. If a moose threatens
you, back away slowly and talk calmly to it. Keep your pets away from moose.
Other considerations.
Hunting is a popular sport in the United States, espe-
cially during rifle season in October and November. Hiking is still enjoyable in
those months in many areas, so just take a few precautions. First, learn when the
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