How to Stay Safe Around Wildlife
Seeing wildlife is one of the best parts of being outdoors, and most animals want nothing to do with you. A few habits — giving space, storing food properly, and knowing what to do in an encounter — keep both you and the animals safe.
- Keep your distance and never approach or feed wild animals.
- Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals.
- Store food properly so animals don't come looking for it.
- Know the specific advice for bears, snakes, and other local wildlife.
Give animals space
The golden rule of wildlife is distance. Never approach, chase, or feed a wild animal, no matter how calm it looks. Use binoculars or a zoom lens to watch from afar. When you respect an animal's space, it usually has no reason to interact with you at all.
Make noise on the trail
Most dangerous encounters happen because an animal was surprised. Talk, sing, or clap occasionally as you hike, especially around blind corners, in dense brush, or near water. A startled animal is far more likely to react defensively than one that hears you coming and moves away.
Store food properly
Food attracts wildlife, so store it correctly at all times. In camp, keep food in a car, a locker, or a bear canister, never in your tent. On the trail, keep snacks sealed. The goal is to never teach an animal that humans are a source of food, which is when problems begin.
Know what to do around bears
If you see a bear at a distance, stay calm, back away slowly, and give it space. If a bear sees you, talk in a calm, firm voice and make yourself look big, but never run, which can trigger a chase. In grizzly country, carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it is essential. Each situation is different, so learn the local guidance before you go.
Stay safe around snakes
Most snakes are harmless and will avoid you if given the chance. Watch where you step and put your hands, especially around rocks and logs. If you see a snake, give it a wide berth and let it move on. Wear boots and long pants in snake country, and know how to identify the venomous snakes in your area.
Handle smaller animals and bugs
Smaller wildlife and insects can be a nuisance or a hazard. Use insect repellent and check for ticks after hiking. Keep small critters out of your food with sealed containers. And never try to touch or feed squirrels, raccoons, or other animals, no matter how friendly they seem — they can bite and carry disease.
Keep pets under control
A dog off-leash can startle wildlife, chase animals, or provoke a defensive attack. Keep dogs leashed on the trail, both for their safety and for the wildlife's. A leashed, controlled dog is far less likely to have a bad encounter.
Respect wildlife, don't feed it
Feeding wildlife is one of the worst things you can do, even though it feels kind. It teaches animals to approach people, which often ends badly for the animal. A fed animal becomes a problem animal, and problem animals are sometimes destroyed. Admire wildlife from a distance, and leave the feeding to nature.
Stay calm in any encounter
If you do have a close encounter, the most important thing is to stay calm and think. Back away slowly, avoid sudden movements, and give the animal an escape route. Panic leads to running or yelling, which can escalate the situation. A calm, deliberate response keeps most encounters from turning into anything more.
Enjoy wildlife from a distance
The best wildlife encounters are the ones where the animal never knows you're there. Watching a deer, a bird, or a fox go about its life — undisturbed — is one of the quiet rewards of being outdoors. The more you keep your distance, the more natural behavior you'll get to see.
Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens, and let the animals come to you. Respectful observation is safer for everyone and far more rewarding than a close approach that sends an animal running.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I see a bear on the trail?
Stay calm, do not run, and back away slowly while facing the bear. Talk in a calm, firm voice and give it space. Learn bear-specific guidance for the area you're visiting.
Is it safe to feed squirrels or birds at camp?
No. Feeding any wildlife teaches it to approach people, which harms the animal and creates problems for future campers. Enjoy watching them, but don't feed them.
How do I avoid ticks while hiking?
Stay on the trail, wear long sleeves and pants, use insect repellent, and do a tick check after your hike. Showering soon after being outdoors also helps.