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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Community Chat -> Trail safety
Post Info TOPIC: Trail safety
dewwood


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Trail safety
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What do most of you use for safety walking on trails?  I know some carry bear spray(any recommendations) and some carry weapons.  Does anyone have any specific recommendations or suggestions while out on the trail? We are planning a return trip to Yellowstone this year to celebrate our 40th anniversary and want to be safe while walking the trails.



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WestWardHo


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DH volunteers with our AZ county search & rescue team. Others may have Yellowstone specific
suggestions the following are a good beginning for wilderness hiking:
Food & water
Matches & lighter
Compass & map
Shelter or space blanket
Extra clothing
Whistle
1st aid kit
Hat
Light
Knife
Rope/cord
Signal mirror
Cell phone
Tell someone where you are going and when you will return

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injunear


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 While out walking the trails admiring the beauty of what God has created.

 Be aware of your surroundings. I normally carry a thick walking stick, not one of those thin ski poles. Some heavy wooded areas I may take a firearm concealed. You never know what kind of critter will cross your path.

   Wayne



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3fortheroad


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 I agree with WestWard Ho, be prepared. Not sure but I think there was a law passed allowing weapons in National Parks. Personally I don't think it is necessary, if you stick to the trails, go with a partner, and make normal noise the critters will avoid you.  In most cases the people that think these animals are docile are the ones that get hurt. Keep your distance from any baby animal... bear cubs, moose, buffalo, the MAMA's will defend them in a heartbeat. JMO but I think the most dangerous animal out in the wild is a man (woman) with a gun.



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GENECOP


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Bell tied to your boot, noise will help to warn wildlife you are coming.....

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Terry and Jo


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Not to disagree with what Gene has said, but I did find a link to a number of hints to avoid contact with animals.  Interestingly, this source says to not rely on bells because they could be too quiet.

The biggest issue is to always be alert, not only for the critters themselves, but for carcasses or other sources of food for the animals.  The following is a good read.

Be Bear Aware

Terry



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Trabuco


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Traveling in groups of 40 or 50 should scare off anything......LOL. Of course you may never see any wildlife either.

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3fortheroad


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Terry and Jo wrote:

Not to disagree with what Gene has said, but I did find a link to a number of hints to avoid contact with animals.  Interestingly, this source says to not rely on bells because they could be too quiet.

The biggest issue is to always be alert, not only for the critters themselves, but for carcasses or other sources of food for the animals.  The following is a good read.

Be Bear Aware

Terry

 I have a friend that is a long time Alaska resident. He says the difference in Black Bear and Grizzly Bears poop is that Black Bears will have berries, roots, grass and traces of garbage. A Grizzly's poop will have mostly the same, but what really gives it away is the bits and pieces of Clothes, Whistles,  Bells, and has the odor of Pepper Spray.



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Terry and Jo


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3fortheroad wrote:

 I have a friend that is a long time Alaska resident. He says the difference in Black Bear and Grizzly Bears poop is that Black Bears will have berries, roots, grass and traces of garbage. A Grizzly's poop will have mostly the same, but what really gives it away is the bits and pieces of Clothes, Whistles,  Bells, and has the odor of Pepper Spray.

 

I have long heard that story, but it still brings a grin.  Kind of like the one where I only have to be able to run faster than the slowest of the other runners.

Seriously though, years ago in Yellowstone, a gentleman was attacked by a brown (grizzly) bear while hiking the Mount Washington trail.  He took off running and shucked off his backpack, so the bear stopped to check out the backpack.  Got the guys trail mix bars.

Made me think....were the trail mix bars in the bag what prompted the bear to attack?

Terry



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3fortheroad


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Terry and Jo wrote:
3fortheroad wrote:

 I have a friend that is a long time Alaska resident. He says the difference in Black Bear and Grizzly Bears poop is that Black Bears will have berries, roots, grass and traces of garbage. A Grizzly's poop will have mostly the same, but what really gives it away is the bits and pieces of Clothes, Whistles,  Bells, and has the odor of Pepper Spray.

 

I have long heard that story, but it still brings a grin.  Kind of like the one where I only have to be able to run faster than the slowest of the other runners.

Seriously though, years ago in Yellowstone, a gentleman was attacked by a brown (grizzly) bear while hiking the Mount Washington trail.  He took off running and shucked off his backpack, so the bear stopped to check out the backpack.  Got the guys trail mix bars.

Made me think....were the trail mix bars in the bag what prompted the bear to attack?

Terry

 If someone were trespassing on your property wouldn't you chase them off?



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Speedhitch


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There can be a hefty fine for carrying a firearm in some parks...then on the other hand meeting a bear on the trail without a firearm could be more costly.

Take a change of underwear no matter what choice you make.

Joe and Sherri


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