Chapter 5 - Animal Safety & Behavior - Denali National Park & Preserve

Seeing a wild animal in the backcountry can be an incredible experience. But knowing how to behave in an encounter scenario might make all the difference ... “You need to be aware, you don’t want to get too close. But you shouldn’t be afraid to go hiking here.” Key concepts: • Make noise in areas of low visibility • Stay 300 yards away from any bear • Stay at least 25 yards from a moose • If a wild animal changes its behavior because of you, you’re too close. Scenario 1: If you see a bear in the distance, avoid it. • If a bear hasn’t noticed you, do not draw its attention. • If a bear has noticed you, group together and back away slowly. Scenario 2: Encountering a bear at close range • Never run. Never drop your packs. Stay calm. Group together. Wave your arms. Speak in loud voices. Back away slowly, but if the bear follows, hold your ground. Scenario 3: If a bear charges • Do not run. Stand your ground. Yell loudly. Wave your hands. Prepare to use bear spray. Scenario 4: If a bear attacks • If a grizzly bear strikes, drop to ground and lay flat on your stomach, or curl into a ball with your pack protecting your spine, and play dead. If matters continue or escalate, fight back. • If a black bear strikes, fight back immediately. Scenario 5: if a bear approaches a cook site • Quickly reseal food inside plastic bag inside bear can and lock it. Grab and carry cooking pots, back away, and leave your secure bear can for bear to investigate. Scenario 6: If a bear of wolf approaches your camp site • Wave arms and speak in a loud voice, If it’s convenient, shake your tent. • If gear is damaged by wildlife, leave the area immediately Scenario 7: Encountering a wolf at close range • Don’t run. Stand your ground. Group together, wave arms over your heads, talk in a loud voice. Scenario 8: If a moose charges • Run. Dodge behind trees, cars, or structures to put a barrier between you and the animal. If caught in the open, run in a zig zag pattern.

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