Animal safety preparedness tips for family trips

When visiting National parks, you will come across many animals and it will be one of the highlights of your trip. There are more than 60 mammals in Yellowstone National Park and chances of of actual sightings vary with weather, season and behavior of animals. There are some real risks and concerns when you encounter them. They are called wild animals and it is better that you learn all about "Leave No Trace 7 Principles." Here's the summary of 7 principles:

• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surface
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Respect Wildlife *
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Please note: It is important to remember that feeding or harassing wildlife in the park is a violation of federal law

While we respect all 7 principles and you can read all about them by clicking the link, we are going to focus on "Respect Wildlife" . This principle calls for visitor to:

• Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
• Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, [habituates them to humans], and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
• Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
• Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
• Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
• Stock has the right-of-way. Step off the trail on the uphill side and wait quietly while stock passes.
• Pets, bicycles and vehicles are not allowed on trails or in the backcountry.
• Backcountry sanitation: To prevent waterway contamination, bury human waste in a hole 6–8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water. Pack out used toilet paper, tampons, sanitary napkins and diapers in sealed plastic bags. Do not bury or burn any materials. Special rules apply in Garnet Canyon.

When you are in the bear country, you will see plenty of signs that look similar to the one below and they should be taken seriously. While it is rare for animals to attack humans, remember you are in their territory as a visitor and you should act like one.

Here are some general guidelines:

• Be Alert - watch for animals, fresh tracks, or scat.
• Make Noise in areas with limited visibility.
• Carry Bear Spray (you can rent one) and know how to use it.
• Hike in groups - of three or more.
• Do Not Run - back away  slowly.

Additional steps that you can take:

• BE BEAR AWARE! Avoid surprising bears by making noise—call out and clap your hands at regular intervals. Bear bells are not suffcient. 
• The use of personal audio devices is strongly discouraged. Keep your eyes and ears open.
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Guard against accidental discharge. 
• Proper food storage is required. Ask a ranger for more information. 
• Carry drinking water. 
• Be prepared for rapid weather changes; bring rain gear and extra clothing. Avoid wearing cotton. 
• High elevation may cause breathing difficulties; pace yourself. 
• Snow melts gradually, leaving valley trails by mid-June, mountain trails and passes by late July. Be careful crossing snow fields and streams. 
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. 
• Solo hiking, off-trail hiking, and trail running are not recommended. 
• Check with a ranger for up-to-date information on trail conditions, and closures.

• DO NOT RUN. Bears can easily out run any human. Running may elicit attacks from non-aggressive bears.

• If the bear is unaware of you, detour quickly and quietly.

• If the bear is aware but has not acted aggressively, back slowly away while talking in an even tone or not at all.

• Use your peripheral vision. Bears may interpret direct eye contact as threatening.

• Do not drop your pack - this teaches bears how to obtain human food. Your pack can also protect your body in the case of an attack.

• Do not climb trees - all black bears and some grizzly bears can also climb trees.

One more sign to freak you out before I throw in a suggestion for you to hike with you family.

Traveling to national parks is a joy but it comes with real dangers. My wife and I visited Yellowstone and Grand Teton for the first time and we read and learned all about the animal safety materials and took a bear spray lesson. In the end, we decided we were still not ready to hike alone so we decided to find all the ranger led activities including hikes and we planned our trips around it. These turned out to be great because we felt completely safe hiking with rangers who knew the park, we also traveled and met other families who had a similar situation to us. This turned out to be a great strategy.

Bear-resistant canisters are available for loan, free of charge in the Visitor Center at most parks.

• Store all food, deodorants, toothpaste, sunscreen, or anything else with an odor in the canister. 
• Store any food scraps in a sealed air-tight container. 
• Never cook, store food and food scraps, or keep scented items in your tent. Do not sleep in the clothes you were wearing as you prepared your meal. 

REPORT ALL BEAR AND MOUNTAIN LION SIGHTINGS TO THE VISITOR CENTER INFORMATION DESK!