Be respectful of local wildlife and practice common sense in the backcountry
Wildlife Means Wild
Part of the attraction of hiking and backpacking is the chance of closer contact with wild things. But for safety's sake, maintain a respectful distance from the animals you meet.
Animals that are startled, surprised or that feel trapped can be unpredictable and dangerous. Keeping campsites clean and food put away will keep bears, skunks and other creatures from getting too close for comfort.
Sharing the outdoors with wildlife means respecting animals in their natural environment. Use common sense and practice safety when interacting with wildlife.
