Observing wildlife in the springtime can be amazing. Animals are coming out of hibernation. The problem comes when campers decide to take advantage of the fact that recently hibernating animals are hungry. They often decide to feed the animals in order to obtain a “closer look.” This is not a good idea. Beaudry RV suggests the following in dealing with wildlife in or around campsites appropriately:
Bears. Remove all aromatic items from vehicles overnight (including toothpaste, deodorant, food, etc.) Make use of bear proof containers. Bears have a very highly developed sense of smell that can lead them to charge campers for their food or swipe food from campsites or break into food storage (even if it means breaking into a vehicle). And the more human food bears obtain the more they expect to receive it. This can leave bears very aggressive in getting to food in campsites; a dangerous situations for both the campers and the bears.
To enjoy a safe bear viewing campers should look for places in the bear’s natural habitat where they would normally feed like a stream with plenty of fish or a bush with plenty of berries. Observe the area in the early morning or early evening, but keep a safe distance (and pay particular notice to cubs; do not get between them and their mother). Females are very aggressive and dangerous when cubs are in potential danger.
Foxes. Foxes aren’t known for attacking humans. They are scavengers. But they are known for “scavenging” small animals (including cats and dogs in campsites). So don’t entice foxes to come closer to a campsite or feel comfortable around human populated campgrounds by feeding them. This will increase the chances that they will scavenge among campsite food stores, etc. To view foxes watch for dens (in covered spaces). Common spots include water drainage pipes and culverts.
Fox cubs begin exploring in early morning and evening. Keep your distance and never give them food. They are wild; they need to develop their hunting instincts in order to survive. The end of tourist season will result in death for wild animals that have come to depend upon humans for their day to day sustenance.
Squirrels. Squirrels are not typically considered a problem or a danger, but those who see them as adorable little creatures that will eat from their hands are often the victims of squirrel attacks. Squirrels have very sharp teeth and often have fleas that are carrying the bubonic plague (making squirrels common transmitters of the disease).
Squirrels. Most people don’t consider squirrels a problem. Campers can often be found throwing breadcrumbs and/or snacks to entice the little animals closer. But squirrels often bite and they often carry diseases. Campers who get close or allow squirrels to eat out of their hands are often the victims of squirrel attacks. Squirrels have very sharp teeth and they are also often transmitters of bubonic plague which is carried through fleas. To view squirrels just watch them in their natural habitat, but keep your distance. The can be seen almost anywhere. They live in a variety of habitats. They are active throughout the day and are frisky animals that are fun to observe.
The key item in the phrase wildlife is wild. It is the camper’s responsibility to respect the “wild” around them and aid the animals in remembering their place in their natural habitat. Feeding wild animals puts both campers and animals in danger. Throughout travel campers should respect animals, but remember to keep their distance. Enjoy the beauty, but don’t disrupt it.
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