Wildlife Encounter Safety: A Veteran’s Guide
A group of Veterans on Team RWB's Smoky Mountain Eagle Expedition, 2023.
Whether you're hitting the trails for some R&R or gearing up for a challenging outdoor adventure, knowing how to handle wildlife encounters is crucial.
That’s why we asked our certified Eagle Expedition Guides. They’re Veterans with years of outdoor experience.
Here’s what they had to say about preventing and handling wildlife encounters.
Expert Tips for Handling Wildlife Encounters
1. Food and Scent Management
Don't sleep with food or toiletries. Animals (mice, raccoons, bears…etc.) love midnight snacks as much as you do.
Hang all food away from camp or use hard-sided bear canisters. In some areas, like the Adirondacks, bears have figured out how to open clear, twist-top canisters.
Use unscented deodorant and don't wear your "eating clothes" to bed.
Spit toothpaste away from camp, diluted with water. Remember: "Spray it, don't say it."
2. Trail Etiquette
Don't barrel around corners without announcing yourself. A simple "Hey, bear!" or tapping trekking poles on rocks works wonders.
Make noise while hiking. Sing, talk loudly, or use trekking poles. Skip the bear bells; they'll just get you laughed at by other hikers.
Follow the "rule of thumb": If you can't cover the animal with your thumb when your arm is outstretched, you're too close.
3. Campsite Safety
Keep packs safe from critters by hanging them or putting them in your tent (after removing all food).
Open zip pockets so mice can explore without chewing through.
When cowboy camping, roll down your sleeping bag if you get up at night. No one wants a surprise slithery bedmate.
4. Specific Animal Awareness
Beware of the "white striped danger kitty" (skunks) and keep dogs leashed, especially in areas with high porcupine populations.
Don't trust all cute and fuzzy creatures. Nutria, for example, are invasive and damaging to wetlands.
Remember: Non-venomous snakes can still bite. Keep your distance from all "danger noodles."
5. Large Mammal Encounters
If you encounter a bear, don't run. Shout, wave your hands, and back away slowly.
Never get between a mother and her young, especially with bears and moose.
Avoid bull moose at all costs. They're not as friendly as they look in cartoons.
6. Know Before You Go
Familiarize yourself with the common wildlife in your area. Know their habits, active times, and signs of agitation.
Understand how to handle encounters with specific animals like mountain lions, coyotes, and different bear species.
7. General Outdoor Wisdom
Always shake out your boots! Spiders, snakes, scorpions, and even large millipedes could be hiding inside.
When using trees for support, check what you're grabbing first. Squished slugs aren't pleasant hand-warmers.
Treat socks with permethrin and check for ticks often. They're the tiny terrors of the woods.
Don't wade into water you can't see the bottom of, especially in the South. That's asking for trouble.
Remember, the best wildlife encounter is the one that never happens.
Stay alert, respect nature, and use that situational awareness you honed in the service. By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to handle whatever the wild throws at you.
Want more outdoor adventure tips?
Join the conversation in the Outdoor Adventure group on our Team RWB Member App. Your insights could make all the difference for someone else on the journey.
