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. While there aren’t many reports of human attacks by foxes…the fox is a scavenger. And they have been known to swipe small animals (cats and dogs, etc.) from campgrounds. Feeding foxes only entices them closer to the campsite and increases the chance of scavenging among campsites. Wild animals eventually learn to expect humans to provide food if the situation presents itself consistently. This makes them more likely to scavenge among human food stores in campsites. For viewing of foxes look for dens in covered spaces like culverts or water drainage pipes.
Foxes. The fox is a scavenger. Few reports are made of human attacks by foxes. But foxes have been known to steal both cats and small dogs for their dinner. When campers feed foxes it encourages them to stay in close proximity to campsites. They are a wild animal. And any wild animal will eventually learn that humans are a source of food if humans are feeding them. This makes them more likely to sneak into food stashes. To view foxes in spring look for dens in covered spaces (look in a culvert of in a water drainage pipe).
Squirrels. Squirrels aren’t often considered a wildlife problem. Many campers see them as adorable creatures that they can entice closer; even feeding them from their hand. But squirrels have very sharp teeth and are often transmitter of bubonic plague (carried by fleas on the animal).
View squirrels in their natural habitat from a safe distance. They live in a variety of natural habitats and are active throughout the day. They are fun to watch, but keeping your distance will ensure you aren’t a victim of a squirrel attack.
Wildlife is just that…it’s wild. And campers should see it as their responsibility to do nothing to disrupt the natural order of things in the areas in which they are camping. Do not feed them. Keep your distance. And campers can feel comfortable knowing that they enjoyed their stay without leaving a negative lasting effect on the wildlife of the area when they depart.
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