Know where you're going
- The NWRPS and NPS has maps of many popular parks/forests
- Print or buy copies
- Make sure your copies are waterproof and you have a flashlight to read in the dark if needed
- If driving, take gas into account of travel necessities
- Please do not rely on maintaining cell reception to use GPS in wilderness areas.
- Learn how to properly use a compass for navigation
Know the wildlife
- Research what types of predatory animals lurk in the area - bears, cougars, rattlesnakes, ticks, etc.
- Bring the proper gear - bear spray, bug spray, or hiking bells
- Travel in groups
- Stay away from bear cubs. Mama bears are very protective.
- If you are confronted with a bear, DO NOT RUN. Make yourself large, wave your arms, and loudly yell. This will likely scare the bear away.
- If you are attacked, curl up into a ball and play dead.
- Cougars tend to sneak-attack lone individuals from behind, so travel in groups
- If you are confronted with a cougar, DO NOT RUN. Make yourself large, wave your arms, and loudly yell. This will likely scare the cougar away.
- If you are attacked, curl up into a ball and play dead.
