From fly fishing and camping to combining the experiences of travel and immersion in nature, backpacking has a lot of offer. Backpackers can also expect to encounter various wildlife along their journey, presenting opportunities for not only memorable moments but also risky scenarios. As such, demonstrating respect for wildlife and following relevant precautions during travel are crucial for the well-being of backpackers and wildlife.
Facilitating safe encounters with wildlife begins with proper preparation. Before embarking on your excursion, research the kinds of animals native to the areas along your planned route and any migratory species found there at the time of your trip. Ideally, this includes familiarizing yourself with the habitats and characteristics of creatures you may come across. Beyond the ability to recognize wildlife from a distance, doing so equips backpackers with the necessary insight on wildlife routines, behaviors, and signs to anticipate possible encounters and make informed decisions.
Furthermore, such knowledge helps with identifying foods and smells that attract wildlife. Mindful management of food, cookware, scented toiletries, and other aromatic items can prevent animals from rummaging through your belongings. For example, cooking food and washing dishes somewhere other than camp limits odors around the campsite that might draw wildlife. Securing food overnight is even more important, even outside of bear country. Storing food and scented items in bear-proof canisters also prevents access to animals like ravens, racoons, and rodents.
When traversing the wilderness, fostering safe wildlife encounters requires a more proactive and ongoing approach. Wild animals generally avoid close interactions with people, but some may become aggressive if approached unexpectedly. Look for signs of nearby wildlife as you hike, remaining aware of your surroundings and watching where you step. Making noise, like whistling or clapping your hands, every so often also helps alert animals to your presence. Refrain from hiking at dusk or dawn, as many animals are most active during these hours. If you do hike during this time, take extra precautions.
If you encounter wildlife, respect their boundaries and keep your distance. Even herbivorous animals like elk and mountain goats can become dangerous if they feel threatened, and many species of raptors and mammalian wildlife will attack if you come too close to their young. Furthermore, recognizing warning signs of stress or agitation in various wildlife can help you identify when a measured retreat is necessary to avoid danger.
Maintaining your composure and backing away slowly are the cornerstones of a safe departure, regardless of the animal size or type. However, preventing confrontation may require a more specific approach with certain wildlife, and the best response when charged at varies by species. For example, wildlife experts recommend appearing large but non-threatening when backing away from bears, but advise using noise and eye contact to ward off cougars while backing away from one. And while you should never run from either animal, running is oftentimes paramount if a moose or elk charges at you. For any wildlife encounter, use items like bear spray only as a last resort.
The best precautions for safe wildlife encounters while backpacking align with the golden rule of any nature excursion: Leave no trace. This philosophy protects the well-being of wildlife and safeguards the integrity of wilderness habitats and ecosystems. In addition to respecting wildlife and refraining from feeding them, it involves not disturbing fragile vegetation and ensuring that you leave nothing brought with you behind, including food scraps.
