One of the most exciting moments out on the camping trip, whether it be unexpectedly in the campsite, or out on the hiking trail, is to encounter wild animals
in their natural setting.
We can view TV programs displaying animals in nature, but when you come in the presence of them in nature, it can be
breathtaking.
When we do encounter animals in their natural habitat, we immediately want to remember the experience of what we are seeing by taking pictures or movies.
This is a
perfectly permissible and rewarding attempt to keep a record of your encounter to enjoy for years to come.
When seeing a wild creature in it's habitat, it
may be a view of a wonderful, serene image and moment frozen in time.
Initially, the animal may first appear to be calm during the moment it is watching you.
It may
be tempting to walk up to it and feel like you can stroke it's head and give it a huge like the family pet.
This would not be a good idea.
This would most likely be a
very misunderstood situation if you attempt to walk up to, what may appear to be, a very calm and gentle creature.
As you get closer and it doesn't move, but just stares at you, this could be a sign that it has something else in mind from your serene moment.
Most likely this is probably the
case that it's not waiting for a hug, but waiting for you to enter it's strike zone for an attack.
This sounds like a crazy scenario or occurrence that could happen, but we have seen videos of people of actually misreading a situation with wildlife and attempting to do something just like this.
So, caution should be exercised in a moment as these.
It's suggested that a distance of 100 yards should be maintained from these animals.
It is possible that some wildlife could be aggressive if you wonder into
their territory, especially during the spring time when they are raising their young.
If you do happen to come face to face with an aggressive
animal, make yourself appear as large as you can.
For example, if you have a jacket on, spread it out to appear as large as possible. Or pick up a stray branch nearby that could enlarge your appearance.
Try to maintain the
tallest stance that you can.
Also, throwing anything you can find around you could discourage the willingness for an attack.
All this could possibly intimidate them, and keep them from taking an aggressive move towards you.
This would be one of the
hardest things to do in this situation, but try to resist all urges to run away.
This may kick in the natural instinctive reaction from the animal to
chase after you.
Most large wildlife have the ability to run way much faster than humans.
And the mere chase would stimulate the natural
aggressiveness in the animal.
It's best at this time for you to stand your ground and make eye contact.
During this moment, look around the ground where you
are standing to see if there is anything nearby that can be used as a weapon, or something like a branch or brush to help keep the animal from approaching you.
If you had prepared for such situations, you would have remembered to have a can of bear spray in your backpack. There is also some agreement that having an air horn with you that blasts a loud noise could scare them away.
If the attack does occur, this could
make the difference of you being injured or not.
Bear spray can be used on any animal because it attacks the eyes and it's respiratory tract.
If you manage to handle the situation correctly and if you are successful in lowering the animals aggressive state by intimidation, and it seems somewhat disinterested in taking the confrontation to the
next level, begin slowly backing away without turning your back but still continue to maintain eye contact.
Wild animals normally have no desire to attack humans
unless they are surprised and they instinctively react, or you entered their habitat especially as young are in the area.
Female wildlife have a strong urge to protect their young,
and you will be considered a threat if you wonder too close.
This is why it is important that while being out in the wilderness, that you consciously always know your
surroundings and where you are at.
Maintain your roaming in nature to the campgrounds, or on designated hiking trails to keep you from unknowingly entering wildlife habitat.
Park Rangers and campground staff would be an excellent source of information on what animals are normally in the area, and what areas not to wonder off into.
When camping, you are out in nature to enjoy the scenery and the wildlife that live there.
Be conscious of your surroundings and the environment and in the habitat that you are temporarily visiting.
It's really important to respect nature and respect the wildlife that live there, and keep in mind that they have a need to not be disturbed or intruded upon as they exist.