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Whether you hike, mountain bike, float rivers or ride horses, there are precautions you should take. Following the suggestions below will help make the journey safer for you, your companions, and wildlife. Remember, all wildlife can be dangerous. Please do not approach or feed wild animals, especially bears.

Common causes of attacks while hiking:

• Not making sufficient noise.  
• Approaching or surprising an animal at close range, especially a bear.  
• Getting close to a carcass or other food source.  
• Startling a snake when walking near rocks or downed trees, or female bear with cubs.   See also: Venomous Snakes
• Hiking off trail or at night. 

The woods can also be home to cougars, snakes and other wildlife, such as bison, moose, deer and elk. A ll wild animals can be dangerous.  Always maintain a safe and respectful distance from wildlife. L ook for bear signs in your immediate area.

Reduce the risk of close encounters:

• Let Someone Know: where you are going and when you plan to return.
• Make Noise: Talk, sing or clap your hands to let a bear know of your presence. Don't rely on bells, usually they are too quiet. Shout often, especially when traveling upwind, near streams and waterfalls, or when you cannot see the path ahead. (avoid thick brush).
• Be Alert: Watch for bear sign such as tracks, droppings, diggings, rocks rolled over, scratch marks on trees and logs torn apart. Carry binoculars and scan ahead periodically.
• Don't Hike Alone or at Night: Bears and cougars are most active at dawn, dusk and night, but can be encountered any time. Groups of three or more people tend to make more noise and appear more formidable. This makes groups safer than solo hikers.
• Stay on Trails: for your safety and to protect the habitat.
• Avoid Carcasses: Report dead animals to the nearest ranger station. It is very risky to approach a carcass; a bear may be just out of sight, guarding its food.
• Avoid Odorous Items: Leave foods and beverages with strong odors, scented deodorants and lotions and other odorous items at home. A bears acute sense of smell can detect odors from great distances. Dry foods are both lighter and less smelly.
• Stay with Your Gear: Don't leave your packs, food or beverages unattended; even food or beverages stored under water may attract bears.

View and Photograph from Established Observation Areas or the Trail: If an animal approaches, back away to maintain a safe distance.

Use Binoculars, Spotting Scopes or a Telephoto Lens: When viewing and photographing an animal to avoid stressing the animal.

Bicyclists and Runners should carefully select the areas they are recreating in and be extra alert in cougar, bear and rattlesnake country. Speed and quietness increases risks of a sudden encounter.

Hike at a pace everyone can maintain and stay together. Don't hike ahead or allow someone to fall behind, especially children and pets.

Running to a tree may provoke a bear or cougar to chase you. You cannot outrun them. Bears can run up to 30 mph, up and downhill, while cougars are known for their powerful sprints and jumps. Climb a tree only if it is near and the animal far away. Keep in mind that all black bears and some grizzlies climb trees.

Rattlesnakes are very seldom seen. They can sense our vibrations from our walking and look for a place to hide, which is often behind rocks, logs or in thick brush. They are usually not aggressive unless they are directly threatened, either deliberately or by accident. To prevent being bitten avoid stepping directly in front of or behind logs and rocks(step on top and away). Before sitting down or picking up supplies from the ground, look around the area carefully. Watch where you put your hands and feet. Most importantly, enjoy snakes at a distance without disturbing them.

Alligators are found throughout the southeast. Crocodiles are found in parts of Florida. Both prefer to avoid people and will often retreat to water when disturbed. However, mother alligators will aggressively defend their nest and may chase intruders away. Be extra careful around shorelines as they may lay in wait for game. Be aware of trails or drag marks indicating a regularly traveled route.

Always follow local regulations and review trailhead signs before hiking.

Source:

http://www.bebearaware.org/Hiking_and_Camping/hiking_and_camping.html