Respect Wildlife
Respecting wildlife is essential for preserving the natural balance of ecosystems and ensuring the safety of both animals and humans in shared spaces like national forests. Below you can find some safety recommendations for respecting wildlife, based on guidelines that are focused on outdoor safety and ethics.
Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep at least 100 yards away from bears and 25 yards from other large animals like deer or elk. This protects both your safety and the animals’ well-being, allowing them to behave naturally without feeling threatened.
Do Not Feed Wildlife: Feeding animals, even small ones like squirrels, can alter their natural behaviors, make them dependent on human food, and increase the risk of aggressive encounters. Human food is often unhealthy for wildlife and can draw them into dangerous areas like roads or campsites.
Observe from Afar: Use binoculars, spotting scopes, or telephoto lenses to enjoy wildlife without disturbing them. If an animal changes its behavior due to your presence (e.g., stops eating or moves away), you’re too close—back off slowly and quietly.
Avoid Sensitive Times: Steer clear of wildlife during mating, nesting, raising young, or wintering periods, as they are more vulnerable or protective then. Check with local district office staff for specific timing and areas to avoid.
Control Pets: Keep dogs on a leash or under strict voice control to prevent them from chasing or harassing wildlife. Pets can be seen as threats, and wildlife may injure them in self-defense or transmit diseases like rabies.
Make Noise While Traveling: In areas with low visibility or known bear activity, talk, clap, or sing to avoid surprising wildlife. Bears and other animals are less likely to react defensively if they hear you coming. Travel with the wind at your back when possible, so your scent alerts them early.
Know How to React: If you encounter a bear, don’t run—back away slowly while making noise. For aggressive encounters, use bear spray if available (aim low to create a barrier when the bear is about 30 feet away). For other animals like moose, give them space and retreat calmly if they notice you. For more information on bears, please visit Be Bear Aware website or Forest Service No Before You Go website
Store Food and Trash Securely: Keep food, toiletries, and garbage in bear-resistant containers, locked vehicles, or food storage boxes where provided. In bear country, never store food in your tent. This prevents attracting wildlife and reduces the chance of conflicts.
Stay on Trails: Stick to designated paths to minimize disturbance to wildlife habitats and reduce the risk of unexpected encounters. Avoid stepping on nests or dens, especially near shorelines or cliffs.
Report Incidents: If wildlife approaches your campsite, damages property, or injures someone, report it to Forest Service staff or a ranger as soon as possible. This helps protect others and allows officials to manage problem animals appropriately.