Wildlife interaction guidelines vary around the world, but some basics are universal.

Check where you live or are traveling to for specific considerations. Large predators to avoid? Birds to protect? Know before you go!

Don’t feed
This includes “compost” on the trail & leaving campsites messy! Even accidental feeding habituates animals & can make them reliant on human food sources.

(You can sing like a Disney princess instead.)

Keep your distance
A rule of thumb: If you can’t cover the animal with your thumb outstretched, you’re too close.

• 30m from large animals
• 100m from predators

Don’t stop! Pulling over to watch wildlife causes major accidents.

Options for food storage
Pack hangs:

• Dead tree (right tree)
• Hard to hang properly
• Light to carry a small cord
• Poles at some campsites
  (2m down from the tree limb, 3.5m tall)

Food lockers:

• Most secure
• Located at some backcountry sites
• Easy!

Animal-proof canister or bag:

• Required in some places
• Secure, designed to fit in packs or bulky
• Can’t be carried away by animals (i.e., a drum!)
• Be sure to time purchases

Turn off the tunes
Music has been shown to increase stress & change behaviors in many wildlife. (Plus other people on the trail…)

Turn down the lights
Avoid flash photography & use red lights at night. White lights disturb nocturnal animals (even insects!).