RVers: Keeping Wild Animals Wild

Observing wildlife in the springtime can be amazing. Animals are coming out of hibernation. The problem comes when campers decide to take advantage of the fact that recently hibernating animals are hungry. They often decide to feed the animals in order to obtain a "closer look." This is not a good idea. Beaudry RV suggests the following in dealing with wildlife in or around campsites appropriately:

Bears. Make use of bear-proof containers (bear boxes). All deodorant, toothpaste, French fries and other foods must be removed from all vehicles overnight. Bears have an extremely sensitive sense of smell which has led to their notorious reputation for breaking into vehicles. Bears are also known for charging campers for their food as well as swiping the dinners for unsuspecting campers. The lack of bear proof containers can result in very satisfied bears and very hungry campers. And the more human food that bears consume the more they expect to receive it. It leaves them aggressive and creates a potentially dangerous situation for campers and bears alike.

Campers can enjoy viewing bears by finding a nearby stream full of fish or a nearby bush full of berries. This is where bears will come to eat in the early morning or evening. Be careful when cubs are present. Do not get between the cubs and their mother. Females become very aggressive very quickly when cubs appear threatened in any way.

Foxes. While there aren't many reports of human attacks by foxes…the fox is a scavenger. And they have been known to swipe small animals (cats and dogs, etc.) from campgrounds. Feeding foxes only entices them closer to the campsite and increases the chance of scavenging among campsites. Wild animals eventually learn to expect humans to provide food if the situation presents itself consistently. This makes them more likely to scavenge among human food stores in campsites. For viewing of foxes look for dens in covered spaces like culverts or water drainage pipes.

Early morning and evening is when fox cubs explore. Always keep your distance and do not feed them. These are wild animals and they must develop their natural hunting/scavenging skills in order to survive. When tourist season ends animals who have learned to depend on humans for food will die.

Squirrels. Squirrels aren't often considered a wildlife problem. Many campers see them as adorable creatures that they can entice closer; even feeding them from their hand. But squirrels have very sharp teeth and are often transmitter of bubonic plague (carried by fleas on the animal).

On the other hand squirrels can be very fun to observe. They are so frisky in their activities. Find them in their natural habitat. They live in variety of locations and are active throughout the day. Keep your distance to ensure you don't learn just how sharp their teeth are.

Wildlife is just that…it's wild. And campers should see it as their responsibility to do nothing to disrupt the natural order of things in the areas in which they are camping. Do not feed them. Keep your distance. And campers can feel comfortable knowing that they enjoyed their stay without leaving a negative lasting effect on the wildlife of the area when they depart.

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