Camping Safety Notice: How to Avoid Wildlife Intrusions

Camping in the great outdoors offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, but it also brings the potential risk of encountering wildlife. Whether you're camping in forests, near lakes, or in the backcountry, knowing how to prevent wildlife intrusions is essential for both your safety and the safety of the animals. Here’s how you can minimize the risk of attracting or encountering wildlife while camping:
1. Keep a Clean Campsite
Wildlife is often attracted to food, trash, and even the smell of cooking. Keeping your campsite clean is one of the most effective ways to prevent unwanted animal visitors.
Store Food Properly
Use bear-proof containers: In bear country, always store food, toiletries, and anything with a scent (like deodorants or toothpaste) in bear-proof canisters or hanging lockers. These are designed to withstand the efforts of animals trying to access food.
Hang food away from your tent: If bear-proof lockers aren’t available, hang your food at least 10-15 feet off the ground and 4-6 feet away from tree trunks. This will make it harder for animals to access your food. Use a secure method like the "bear bag" technique or a specialized bear hang.

Store food in your vehicle: If you're camping in an area where wildlife like raccoons, bears, or coyotes are common, keep food, cooking utensils, and any scented items in your locked vehicle when not in use.

Dispose of Trash Properly
Use designated trash bins: Always dispose of your trash in animal-proof bins when available. Never leave food scraps or garbage lying around your campsite. Even food wrappers can attract animals, so pack everything out.
Pack out your trash: If there are no trash receptacles, take all of your waste with you when you leave the site. Consider bringing extra trash bags for packaging food scraps and other waste.
Avoid composting: Composting food scraps like fruit peels or leftovers can also attract wildlife. Always pack out everything, including biodegradable waste.
Clean Cooking Equipment
Wash cooking gear immediately: Clean all cooking utensils, pots, pans, and plates as soon as you are done using them. Food residue left on dishes can attract animals, even if it seems small.
Dispose of food scraps properly: Scrape all food scraps into sealed bags or containers to prevent animals from being drawn to your site. Don’t throw scraps into campfire rings or around your campsite.
2. Avoid Attracting Wildlife with Scent
Wild animals, especially bears and raccoons, have an incredible sense of smell and can be attracted to scented items.
Minimize Food Scents
Cook away from your tent: Always cook at least 100 feet away from your sleeping area. This will reduce the chance of attracting animals directly to your tent.
Use scent-free products: Use unscented toiletries (like soap, deodorant, or toothpaste), as strong scents can attract wildlife. Store these items securely with your food, not in your tent or sleeping bag.
Keep Your Clothes Clean
Avoid cooking in your camp clothes: Change into cooking clothes and use a designated set for food preparation. If you’ve handled food, avoid wearing the same clothes into your tent. Scented clothing can attract animals to your campsite.
Keep cooking and eating areas clean: After cooking and eating, change into fresh clothes that have no food smell. Keep any soiled clothes separate from sleeping gear.
3. Use Animal Deterrents
There are various methods and devices you can use to keep animals at bay, especially when you’re camping in bear or other wildlife-prone areas.
Bear Deterrents
Bear spray: Carry bear spray and know how to use it properly. Bear spray can be highly effective in deterring a bear if you find yourself in an encounter. Keep it easily accessible (not in your backpack) while hiking or near your campsite.
Noise deterrents: Animals, particularly bears, tend to avoid noisy areas. If you’re in bear country, making noise while walking around the campsite can help deter them. Singing, talking loudly, or using a whistle can alert animals to your presence, discouraging them from entering your area.
Electric Fencing
Portable electric fences: In high-risk areas (such as national parks with high bear activity), consider using a portable electric fence around your campsite to keep animals at a safe distance.