 It is a wise idea to have a general understanding about the animals that are indigenous to the camp ground you may be visiting, whether you are camping in California or Vermont. This isn't meant to alarm or make you nervous about camping, but to enhance your safety during your camping trip. The state park websites can supply you with any/all information about the animals that inhabit the area you wish to visit. Also, most camp grounds have bullentin boards located at the park entrance and at restroom facilities with wildlife information. Along with pictures of these animals, insects, and inhabitants, this information is supplied for your safety and it is wise to read this information upon arrival. This is merely for your own protection and awareness. Enjoying your camping trip also means staying safe and being aware of your surroundings. However cute an animal may appear, such as these adorable racoons (pictured above), many can be dangerous to humans because they are territorial. There are many ways to avoid contact with these animals such as: 1) Never leave food out overnight at your campsite (the camp grounds' supply food lockers and it is Highly encouraged to use them). If you choose to leave food out you may be encouraging their unwanted arrival to your campsite and a most welcomed buffet for them. 2) Never feed any animals that may approach your campsite, whether it be during the day or night time, because this only encourages their return visit and some become dependent on human interaction for food which may harm their chances of survival in the wild throughout time. 3) Always report any sightings of dangerous animals to the park rangers. More often than not, parks encourage you to do such, whether it be for the purpose of animal control or to research the animals. Since state park camp grounds are sponsored by the states, research may be conducted in order to have a better understanding of the animals and their behaviors. Also, many times animals are seen in areas they are not indigenous to. Letting the ranger(s) know about sightings will supply them with the neccessary information needed to pass onto campers for safety. Again, cute, furry little animals can be just as dangerous as the big ones. Being aware will allow you and your to be a HappyCamper wherever you may venture. We would like to remind campers that during this hot season, rattle snakes exsist in many places. They like to come out and sun themselves during the day and usually hang around rocky areas. If you come across a rattler, the best thing to do is to freeze at first then slowly move away from the snake. They generally don't seek out to attack unless they feel threatened or are hungry, so the further away you are from them, obviously, the better. Also, baby rattlers are more harmful than the adults. So rememeber, just because they are small doesn't mean they can't harm you...BECAUSE THEY WILL if given the opportunity. During these hot summer months, they are many pesky critters flying around such as: bees, misquitos, and wasps. One way you can eliminate them hanging around your camp site is to make a distraction for them, especially when trying to cook. Here's an idea that really works to keep the bees and wasps away: 1) take an empty 2 liter coke bottle and cut about a 4" size hole in the front (middle section of bottle) 2) take a string a tie a piece of meat to it (bacon, hot dog, etc) 3) hang the string from the cap so it's inside of the bottle and, 4) place the bottle away from your camp site (probablly at least 50', more if possible). This won't guarantee that there won't still be some around, but it will get rid of most as the swarm the meat. When trying to avoid mosquitos, even the best of the best bug repelants don't always do what they are suppose to. Keeping a smoldering fire during the day helps some and at night light several citranella candles (the big bucket ones are the best) and place them around your camping site. This will minimize their presence and you won't be scratching all day and night. Also, by keeping your tent zipped up always, you can keep those critters from getting in your tent and bugging you all night long. |
