Be Mindful of Where You Leave Your Food and Trash
Bears in particular are known for their audacious
behavior when it comes to stealing food and for
them, food means anything that has a scent — soap,
cosmetics, toiletries, trash, and even unwashed
cutlery. If you're heading somewhere like Yosemite,
heed park ranger advice to store items properly in
bear-proof lockers rather than inside your vehicle.
Don't forget to clear your car of crumbs, wet wipes,
and food wrappers — all of which might prove
tempting enough for a bear to break-in. Remember,
if an animal is considered a danger to humans,
authorities may have no choice but to shoot it, so
make sure your own behavior doesn't contribute.
Credit: DCrane/Shutterstock
Keep Your Dog on a Leash
Not everyone's a dog lover, but
that's not the reason it's best to
restrain a dog on a short leash
where it's permitted in national
parks. Unfamiliar smells and
sounds can distract even the
calmest and best-behaved
dogs. A dog's scent can also
strike fear in smaller creatures
and cause them to hide in their
burrows for hours afterwards
instead of coming out to feed. If
your pet isn't up to date on their
vaccinations, it can also spread
disease to park wildlife.
