Animals To Watch Out For While Camping
Newbie hikers and campers are always wary about wild animals attacking them in their sleep or when they’re most vulnerable. But the truth of the matter is that there are more people who lose their lives because of traffic accidents and violence than being attacked by a wild animal. Nonetheless, it is always better to be prepared especially if you’re venturing into an unknown area in the woods. And while having your trusted survival knife safely tucked in your hiking pants can give you a certain sense of security and your large camping tent providing you a temporary shield from unwelcome critters, it still pays to learn the different animals to watch out for while camping.
Mosquitoes
This is one member of the animal kingdom that you should always wary about whenever you head outdoors. They may be annoying especially when buzzing near your ears. But what you don’t know is that one bite is all they need to transfer all of the disease-producing bacteria, parasites, and viruses that are present in their bodies and you could pretty well end up in the hospital sometime later. Of course, they might not produce the injuries that you have in mind but they can still produce some of the costliest health conditions in the world. Just think malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, and Zika virus infection and you can easily understand why you need to have a mosquito net on your camping tent with you as well as other mosquito-repellent items. Also, check out our suggestions on how to prevent mosquito bites.
Bears
These gigantic mammals are smart, fast, and possess very powerful paws that can literally snuff the life off of you. The funny thing is that as we encroach into their habitat, they’ve learned that we always carry food and they will do almost anything to get it. A survival knife may not help you fend off a bear attacking you for your food, but you can at least secure your foodstuffs with a nifty device called a bear canister. And make sure you have a bear spray handy as well.
Wolves
These wild ancestors of man’s best friend have come to learn to fear us perhaps because we have always been known to be prolific hunters of wolves. However, they will never back down when an opportunity presents itself, especially when someone is injured, perceived as weak, or perhaps even ill. As such, if you go out camping with your family, make sure to keep an eye out for your kids as they are perceived by wolves to be especially vulnerable and easy prey, cause a hunting knife may not help you much.
Coyotes
Unlike wolves, coyotes have never learned to fear us. Sadly, they always work in packs, too. They are especially attracted to their domesticated cousins particularly the Pomeranian. So, if you do go out camping with your Pomeranian pooch or any breed for that matter, make sure it is safe and secure from this pack.
Snakes
A great number of snakes are not venomous. However, they instill fear in almost anyone who sees them. Regrettably, they are not really that easy to spot, except perhaps for a few species that often signal their presence if they feel threatened like the rattlesnake. You should always strive to steer clear of holes, pieces of lumber, piles of logs, and even thick bushes because these are natural habitats of snakes. Don’t be sticking your hand into these places. Understand that snakes don’t like to be disturbed. So, let them be.
Alligators
Camping near bodies of water that are known to be infested with alligators is never a good idea. These are apex predators that are very prolific in snatching unsuspecting prey from river banks and lake shores, pulling them into the water and performing the signature death roll. There really is no way you can be safe around alligators. Not even a very strong survival knife can subdue it. Your best action is to never camp in areas where they are known to live.
Feral dogs
These may be distant cousins of your friendly, very sociable pet pooch, but feral dogs are never docile creatures. Their canine teeth are larger than your pet dog and these are often contaminated with a lot of harmful microorganisms. Like coyotes, feral dogs love to hunt in packs and they can be very formidable opponents.
Ticks
Just like mosquitoes, you will have to be wary about ticks, too. These bring Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever, relapsing fever, and many more. These are especially endemic in areas with a warm and humid climate. If you venture into such areas, prepare to tick-proof yourself.
The animals that you have to watch out for while camping are numerous. Your best protection is knowledge of their habitat and their intrinsic behavior so you can go camping better prepared.
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