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Animals to Look Out for While Camping & Hiking

Camping and hiking are ways for individuals to enjoy the great outdoors, to take in the beautiful views and take in the fresh clean air. It helps them to become one with nature to get away from it all, to be able to unwind and commune with nature. However, while being out there in the woods, the forest, desert, and mountain areas, there are wild animals and creatures that a person needs to be aware of. This is their natural habitat that you are going into, so in doing so it is important to understand what types of creatures you could encounter and what to do when it happens.

Bears

Bears can be dangerous to encounter, they are smart, cunning and fast. They also have sharp claws. Unfortunately avoiding bears on a trail can be difficult, why unlike some wild animals these are known to wander into a campsite because they are attracted to the smell of food. One way to avoid bears is to buy a bear repellent spray, make sure that food is properly contained and to properly dispose of garbage. Another thing is, when finding some adorable baby bear cubs unattended leave them alone odds are the mother is nearby.

Wolves and Coyotes

The wolf tends to stay clear of humans, but there are situations where they can be encountered. Best advice make sure that you and your kids stay clear of wolves, if you avoid them they will avoid you, the same applies to your pet dog. The distant cousin of the wolf, both have a predatory instinct, which can lead to a disaster, the best course of action is to make sure your pet dog is kept on a leash at the campsite. As for the coyote they are more daring, they don't fear man. Which makes them more dangerous, especially since they tend to stay in the packs most of the time. However, the coyote also tends to remain within their own territory and not venture into campsites or into hiking trails. But like the wolf they are another canine cousin they seem to be especially drawn to the breed of dog known as the Pomeranian, so always wise to leave this breed of dog home while camping and hiking.

Squirrels, Skunks, and Raccoons

These are other animals that individuals may be attracted to well the squirrel and raccoon that is. Mainly because they tend to be adorable. But make no mistake about it, they are wild, and could carry diseases such as rabies. Squirrels tend to stay clear of man and not venture into campsites, but raccoons can be like bears they are attracted to food and garbage. They also have sharp claws, but can be scared off with loud noise. As for the skunk, again avoid, it won't give off its strong odor unless it feels it is under attack or being threatened for example screaming or panicking when seeing one. So don't panic stay calm and quiet. Bottom line, stay clear of it, and it will do the same.

Non-furry Creatures to Beware Of

 Besides wild animals, there are other creatures out in the wild that a person can encounter. For example, there is the mosquito which can carry disease, which is why it's a good idea to bring repellent with you. Then there are venomous type creatures such as the black widow spider, scorpion, and rattlesnake. The best course of action with one of these is to always be on the alert and be careful, and on the alert. Another creature that can be encountered depending on where the camping trip is taking place is the alligator, these can also do harm and should be avoided.

Going on a camping or hiking trip can be a great outdoor outing, just important to understand what kind of animals and creatures call these places home. Remember, we are the one entering their backyard, not the other way around. So, before considering an outdoor trip, take the time to research these animals a bit more and understand the various ways to avoid contact for their sake as well as your own.

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