Quick Answer
When marking trails, be cautious of wildlife that may be attracted to your presence, such as bears, mountain lions, and snakes, which can be unpredictable and pose a threat to human safety.
Wildlife Precautions
When navigating through areas with known wildlife populations, especially bears and mountain lions, maintain a high level of situational awareness. This means staying alert and paying attention to your surroundings, including any signs of animal activity, such as tracks, scat, or digging.
Identifying and Avoiding Threats
For example, in areas with black bears, be aware of the time of year and the presence of food sources, such as berry bushes or beehives, which can attract bears. When marking trails in these areas, aim to complete tasks quickly and minimize the amount of time spent in areas with high bear activity. When encountering snakes, be cautious of rocky outcroppings, logs, and other areas where snakes may be hiding.
Defensive Techniques
In the event of an encounter with a bear or mountain lion, stay calm and follow established protocols for defensive actions. For bears, this may include making loud noises, waving your arms, and slowly backing away while maintaining eye contact. For mountain lions, stand your ground, raise your arms, and make yourself appear larger by spreading your arms and legs. In both cases, prioritize your safety and the safety of others in the party.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.