Safety and Outdoor Ethics

• Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return
• Read all trail head signs and follow local regulations
• Stay on the trail
• Hike in groups
• Don't hike in the dark
• Maintain control at all times of your pets.
• Carry EPA registered bear pepper spray when hiking and camping in bear country. The Custer Gallatin National Forest is Bear Country. Visit the Be Bear Aware website.
• Keep children within your sight.

You are responsible for your safety and the safety of wildlife. Please help keep wildlife "wild" by not approaching or feeding them.

• Please do not feed wildlife. Animals that get food from people may become aggressive. Our foods may harm an animal's digestive system or even cause them death.
• Do not approach wildlife. All wild animals can be dangerous. Alter your route so that you will move away from animals without disturbing them. Do not block an animal's line of travel.
• Photograph and watch wildlife from observation areas.
• Use binoculars, spotting scopes and telephoto lenses to minimize stress to animals and to provide a safe viewing distance for you.
• If an animal approaches you, it is your responsibility to move away and maintain a safe distance.

• Set up cooking, eating and supply areas at least 100 yards from your sleeping area.
• Use bear resistant food containers to store food and odorous items when not in use. Wildlife are attracted to odors, even when not in bear country.
• Keep sleeping bags and tents completely free of food, beverages, and odorous items
• Do not sleep in the clothes you cook or handle fish and game in. Odors can attract wildlife.
• Keep a flashlight and bear pepper spray readily available. Carry bear spray with you if traveling away from your base camp. Ensure your base camp is secure from food and loose items that may attract wildlife.

• Use only dead and downed wood.
• Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans or mound fires. Do not make a fire ring of rocks.
• Burn all wood and coals to ash, extinguish campfires completely then widely scatter cool ashes. Never leave a smoldering campfire, as wind can cause it to flare up.

In the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area, open fires are PROHIBITED in the Black Canyon drainage off of the Lake Fork Trail and in the Fossil Lake/Dewey Lake area of the upper end of the East Rosebud Trail. ELSEWHERE "Leave No Trace" fires are allowed.

In the Lee Metcalf Wilderness no open fires are allowed within a 1/2 mile of Lava Lake.

A standing tree can cause serious injury or death to people and damage property. A tree can become a "hazard tree" if it has structural defects or damage that can cause it to fall. Take care to observe the structure of trees and overhead hazards when selecting camping and picnic sites.

Weather conditions on the Forest can change rapidly. Always check local weather, road, and trail conditions before an outing. Let someone know where you are going, and be prepared with extra layers and snacks.

In Montana, snow or freezing temperatures can occur any time of the year. Incoming storms may bring lightning, rain, hail, snow, or sleet with little warning. During spring runoff, water flows are often much faster and stronger than they appear. Use caution, watch your footing, and keep children close.

A lot of Forest Service lands, especially in the west, historically were mined for metals such as gold, copper, uranium, lead, and zinc. This Forest has active mine reclamation sites on historic and present day mining sites. If you encounter them, do not enter - abandoned mines pose safety risks to the public.

Unfortunately, illegal hazardous waste dumping occurs on our public lands. Often, materials are left from illegal drug use or hazardous chemical, which pose significant hazards. If you come across a dump site or suspicious activity, leave immediately and notify the local Ranger District.

When visiting our National Forests and Grasslands remember to always be aware, alert and cautious. Some visitors have different agendas besides relaxation, exploration, and recreation. These agendas may include drug production, theft, arson, and other illegal acts. Avoiding these areas if discovered is the safest course of action. Report sightings to local law enforcement personnel only after you have relocated to a safe area.

Always look out for your own personal health and well-being.