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15 Things You Should Know Before Hiking Around Wildlife

“Selenarctos thibetanus (Himalayan Black Bear)” by ucumari photography is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Spending time in nature is an awesome experience—breathing in fresh air and spotting wildlife up close is something you just can’t get by staying inside. One of the best ways to really connect with the outdoors is by going for a hike. It’s a refreshing activity, but let’s be real: hiking comes with risks. Here are 15 things you should know before hiking around wildlife.

Respect Wildlife from a Distance

brown deer beside plants
Photo by Scott Carroll on Unsplash

You might feel the urge to get up close and personal with animals, but it’s way better to admire them from a distance. Animals like moose and deer actually have pretty bad eyesight, so getting too close can easily startle them. When they get scared, they tend to run, and you definitely don’t want to be in their way. 

Know What Animals Live in the Area

black bear on green grass during daytime
Photo by Pete Nuij on Unsplash

Knowing what animals are in the area can help you feel more prepared and at ease. For example, if you’re hiking in bear territory, it’s good to know that black bears usually stay clear of humans, while grizzlies are a bit trickier and less predictable. Animals like mountain lions tend to stay out of sight, but they can be more active around dawn or dusk, so it’s smart to plan your hike around those times.

Don’t Feed the Animals

“Eastern chipmunk ‘Sweet’ … *BEST VIEWED LARGE*” by Vicki’s Nature is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

It may be tempting to share a granola bar with a cute squirrel or chipmunk, but don’t! Feeding wildlife can mess with their behavior. For example, bears that get used to humans feeding them can become super aggressive, which is bad news for you and the bear. Plus, animals need to stick to their natural diet—it’s what keeps them healthy and balanced.

Keep Your Food and Trash Secure

“Snacks, hiking” by Baha’i Views / Flitzy Phoebie is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Animals are pretty smart, and they can sniff out food from miles away. Bears, especially, are notorious for raiding backpacks, tents, and coolers. If you live in a bear country, keep your food in bear-resistant containers or hang it high in trees. Even if you’re not in that territory, keep your trash and food sealed tight to avoid attracting any kind of animals.

Watch for Signs of Animals

“Dog Prints” by Svadilfari is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

If you know what to look for, it’s pretty easy to tell if animals have been around. Keep an eye out for tracks, droppings (scat), chewed plants, or even fur stuck to trees. Mountain lions have super distinct paw prints that look like giant house cat tracks. By looking at these signs, you can get a good sense of what animals are active in the area and avoid getting too close to their turf.

Stay on Marked Trails

“Kleine Scheidegg hiking trails” by Ed Coyle Photography is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

We know it’s tempting to take that shortcut off-trail, but it can seriously put you in a risky spot. For one, many wild animals are territorial, so wandering into their space can make them feel defensive. Also, trails are usually set up to steer you clear of dangerous areas, like cliffs or thick brush, where you could run into snakes or spiders. 

Don’t Make Loud Noises

man hiking in between trees
Photo by tamara garcevic on Unsplash

Keep the noise down, especially in spots where animals might get spooked by loud sounds. A random shout or the clanging of your gear can make animals feel threatened or freaked out. Here’s an interesting fact: animals like deer have super sharp hearing to pick up on danger, and if they hear you first, they’ll probably bolt before you even notice them.

Stay Calm if You See a Snake

brown snake on brown soil
Photo by Michael Lefrancois on Unsplash

If you see a snake, take a deep breath and stay calm. Most snakes are harmless and will just slither off if you give them space. If you spot a nasty one, like a rattlesnake, remember: they usually give a warning by rattling before they strike, so step back, and they’ll probably move away. But most snakes don’t want to waste energy on a human—they’d rather avoid you if they can.

Bring Bear Spray

brown bear near grass field
Photo by Jessica Weiller on Unsplash

In bear country, bear spray is a must-have—it’s your first line of defense. It doesn’t just keep bears away; it can also work on other animals, like cougars or bison, if things get intense. The active ingredient is capsaicin (yes, it’s the same stuff that makes hot peppers spicy!), and it causes a serious burning sensation in the animal’s eyes and nose, which makes them back off. 

Wear Bright Colors

person carrying yellow and black backpack walking between green plants
Photo by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash

Bright colors can grab attention, but they also help animals spot you from a distance, giving them a chance to avoid you. This is super important in areas with predators like bears, wolves, or mountain lions. Animals like deer can see ultraviolet light, so bright colors make it easier for them to notice you before you get too close.

Know What to Do if You See a Bear

“Grizzly Bear” by chascar is licensed under CC BY 2.0

If you spot a bear, don’t run. Running will make the bear want to chase you, which is not good. Instead, stand tall, talk to the bear calmly (it might help them get that you’re not a threat), and slowly back off. Grizzly bears can be more aggressive, so watch out for them. Black bears are usually more curious and might wander off if you give them some space.

Avoid Hiking Alone

photo of man climbing mountain
Photo by Brad Barmore on Unsplash

Always take your friend with you. Why? Because when you run into wildlife trouble or get hurt, having someone with you can help you a lot. Plus, some animals, like wolves, are more likely to back off if there’s a bigger group around. When hiking with others, it’s also easier to watch each other’s backs and spot any risks early.

Watch for Baby Animals

“Baby Bear in South Dakota” by jimbowen0306 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

You may have seen those TikToks where baby animals look super cute. But no matter how adorable they are, you should never approach them. Never. That’s because the mother is always nearby, and if she feels her baby is in danger, she could become defensive and attack you. This is especially true for animals like moose or elk, which can be very protective of their calves. 

Be Aware of the Weather

“Green Lake in the rain” by pfly is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Wildlife behavior can change depending on the weather. For example, when it’s rainy, animals like deer and elk are more likely to be outgrazing. In hotter weather, many animals look for shade or cooler spots, so if you’re hiking during the midday heat, you might not run into as many. Keep an eye on the weather—storms or extreme heat can make your hike trickier and more dangerous.

Stay Calm in an Encounter

“Coyotee One” by DaylandS is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

The last thing you want to do in a wildlife encounter is freak out. Staying calm is key—whether it’s a bear or a snake, keeping your cool helps you think straight. Animals like deer or coyotes will usually just stop and stare at you for a bit before moving away. But if you start acting all wild yourself, you could spook them, and they might run right into your path.

Written by Lisa O

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