• Hike on designated trails only
• Keep a clean campsite
• Keep food and “smellables” out of your tent
• Do not feed wild animals
• Never approach or follow wild animals
• Avoid aggresseive behavior:

Direct eye contact, even through a camera

Walking directly toward an animal

Following an animal that has chosen to leave

Circling or standing around an animal

• Don’t mistake passive behavior in an animal as a sign that you are safe around that animal.
• Never tease or attempt to pick up wildlife
• Leave young animals alone; a protective mother is usually nearby
• Stay away from dead animals and berry patches, important food sources for bears
• If a potentially dangerous animal is sighted, immediately notify an adult leader

COYOTES

Coyotes inhabit the desert Southwest but also can be found in South Central PA.  The coyote is a member of the dog family, similar in size and shape to a medium sized collie.  Coyotes usually eat small mammals(such as rabbits, squirrels, and rodents).  A lone coyote may join other coyotes to kill and eat larger animals such as deer.  Coyotes can breed with domestic dogs and wolves.  A dog coyote mix is called a “coydog”

Precautions Around Coyotes

• Do not encourage coyote human contact.  If coyotes become accustomed to people they will become bolder in approaching people.
• Do not feed coyotes.  Do not encourage them to visit your campsite.  If coyotes are hungry and unafraid of people they can get aggressive in approaching people.
• Remember that a coyote is not a domestic dog.  Coyotes are not to be messed with.  They are smart, learn quickly, and can be dangerous.