As a getaway, camping is perfect if you simply want to unwind and relax without having to deal with all the noise and filth that the city and the neighbourhood brings. You can simply take in the sights and lay around at peace, drink in hand as you bond with nature.
At least until you hear the rustling from your bags, only to find out that a raccoon tore its way in and was rummaging through your belongings. What a way to break the mood.
You then chase off the furry little rascal in an attempt to save your things. Even if you succeed, there is no doubt that your campsite is now compromised, and the raccoon might come back, or something bigger and badder might pop in.
The wildlife is part of nature’s beauty, but unlike the rest of nature, this part is better kept admired in the distance.
It’s unlikely that campers will encounter wild animals during their trips, but it’s better to be prepared for such a scenario, as well as to minimize the chances of an encounter occurring in the first place.
In this article, we will be giving you some tips during your camping trips for you to ensure that an unwanted visitor will not rudely interrupt your future camping trips.
1. Knowledge is power
Before you even step outside, you should research about the campsite you are going to be staying at. Depending on where you are going, the chance for likely animal encounters can range from “probably never” to “likely target.”
It also pays to research the kind of wildlife that might potentially appear in your campsite. While some of them make their habitat from a distance, other animals may favor being near certain resources. Snakes, for example, love hiding behind tall grass and fallen trees. Rivers and streams, meanwhile, are attractive to bears, so consider these when picking a spot to stay at.
Doing some research in advance helps you in understanding what to expect when you arrive.
2. Do some shopping
Other than just your camping necessities, you will want to buy some extra equipment as well. Better to be safe than sorry!
Bear Spray is an essential for deterring unwanted bears in your area. While unlikely to ever be used, it is always a good idea to have one close by, especially as bears have started becoming cleverer lately. They’re starting to understand that human campers being around almost always means easy food.
Flashlights not only help you to see at night, but also spook away any animals wandering about your campsite in the dead of the night.
Heavy Duty Garbage Bags may be needed if your campsite does not have a place to dispose of items. Use heavy bags as much as possible and double bag for more protection, to minimize the chances that animals like raccoons and squirrels would be able to burrow inside. You can then place it in the trunk of your vehicle.
Fabric Softener Sheets are surprisingly good at driving away most wild animals, as many of them dislike the smell. Having them on hand will greatly help in repelling wildlife.
3. Always clean up
Did you know that bears love mint? That means minty toothpaste and gum might attract an unwanted furry giant if you aren’t careful. It’s best
to use odorless toothpaste and smells for all your things as much as possible.
When you have finished cooking, do not just leave your utensils scattered about. Wash them thoroughly and ensure that the smell of food has been eliminated before storing them away. Animals like wolves and bears have a keener sense of smell than humans and can smell your cooking from far away.
You would also want to wash them before using them again, as big animals aren’t the only ones to watch out for. Small animals like mice might feast on the food scraps on your camp, even on your utensils, and might defecate on them potentially making you sick. Other small animals like toads and squirrels might also be attracted to your leftovers, and while they aren’t a threat, they can lead in some bigger predators like cougars and snakes looking for prey to the campsite.
And never leave your food behind. Treat it the same way as fire. Even if you’re going away for a few moments, clean up!
It is also recommended to not cook meat at all, due to the strong smell that it can emit.
On the topic of cooking, though…
4. Do not bring food into a tent
Not only will your tent be smelling of food, it will also send a signal to predators that your tent is a home to a tasty meal.
You should also change your clothes after cooking. You heard that right. Smells tend to cling even long after you have finished. Animals might
smell you as a nice meal thanks to your clothing. Stuff the clothes you used in a zip-locked bag or a tight cooler to reduce food odor as much as possible.
5. Make loud noises
Loud noises scare off bears and most other wildlife. Talk, laugh, do anything with noise to discourage any animals nearby.
6. Keep your distance
While it is always a good idea to keep your distance from potential predators, this also applies to the more “passive” wildlife, like deer or moose. On the off chance that you encounter one, keep your distance and do not make them feel threatened, lest they attack out of self-defense.
They may not be out for blood like predators, but they can be just as dangerous (if not more) if they feel cornered. Keep your distance.
7. Leash your pet… Or don’t bring them in the first place
Pet food attracts predators, so don’t keep that kibble on your dog bowl for too long. While it might be tempting to allow your dog to explore, its smaller size and stature from most of the predators will make it look like prey, so it’s better to keep your pet leashed on the campsite instead.
You can also just opt to not bring them in the first place, there are many more opportunities for you and your fluffy friend to bond together elsewhere without placing both of you in danger.
8. Keep an eye out on your surroundings
It’s an unspoken rule, but an important one, nonetheless. You do not need to be paranoid of wild animals all the time but keeping an eye out for signs of a nearby animal such as droppings or tracks might save your life.
You should also always examine things in more depth before approaching them or picking them up. That hollow tree branch might actually have a snake hiding inside, lying in wait for its next meal.
Wrapping Up
It is unlikely that you will find yourself face-to-face with wild animals, especially in controlled campsites. Some of them even have warnings plastered about the kind of wildlife that lives there.
But even so, safety is paramount. Preparing for scenarios where animals can randomly show up uninvited and minimizing such possibilities will help ensure that you get home in one piece.