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One of my favorite quotes from Hunter S. Thompson is “Civilization ends

at the waterline. Beyond that, we all enter the food chain, and not

always right at the top.”? I feel the same can be said for those who

venture into the wilderness.??

WorldNomads.com’s roving medical and adventure expert Dr. Erik McLaughlin MD shares these practical tips to help you enjoy the North American wilderness from the top of the food chain.

Adventurers who enjoy hiking, tramping, cycling, climbing and outdoor pursuits should always be prepared for conditions they cannot control.? You can run into stronger,

nastier and faster animals than yourselves… and it’s vital to know what to do.



Perhaps the most frightening animal to outdoor adventurers is the

bear.? I have a very healthy respect for bears of all types.? Common

sense should be used by those traveling through bear country and all

bears should be considered dangerous.

Bear safety when you are camping:

• Avoid camping in known bear feeding areas or movement routes
• Keep garbage away from your campsite and do not camp in areas with garbage
• Sleep in a tent and keep a flashlight inside
• Keep sleeping bags partially unzipped for a quick get-away
• Strongly consider carrying pepper spray or if properly trained, carry a firearm
• Store food properly and keep it in bear-proof containers or hung in a tree, away from you
• Cook and store food? at a site away from your sleeping area
• Try to change clothes after cooking and leave them with your food, away from your sleep area
• Do not keep food, trail mix or energy bars in your tent or pockets when you sleep

When you are hiking or traveling:

• Make lots of noise while moving so a bear is aware you are approaching
• Do not rely on bear bells alone to produce adequate noise
• Be aware of wind direction; an “upwind” bear cannot smell you
• Heavy forested areas, rushing water, rain or fog can all act to decrease sound transmission.? In these places be extra loud
• Do not approach bears or any wild animal too close, especially not for a photograph or “better view”
• If you observe signs of bears in the area (tracks, droppings or fresh prey carcasses) consider them to be close by
• Avoid berry patches, elk grounds or streams with spawning fish because bears like to eat there

If you see a bear:

• Allow the bear to see you are there. As a human, you are not one of their favorite meals
• Avoid sudden movements or yelling
• Do not climb a tree or attempt to run
• Do not stare at the bear or make eye contact; look to one side or the other
• Do not attempt to hide
• Avoid standing next to objects such as tree stumps, bushes or things
  
  which will cause the bear to think you are anything but “human shaped”
• Speak to the bear in a clear, calm voice to allow the bear to identify you as human

If attacked:

• Do not run, climb trees, fight back or scream
• Do not hold out an arm to ward of an attack
• Drop to the ground and cover your head, in a fetal position
• Curl into the smallest ball you can make yourself
• Interlock your hands behind your head, covering your ears and use your elbows to protect your face
• After you think the bear has left, try to move as little as possible while looking around
• Try to see which way the bear went and travel in the opposite direction

If you are attempting to carry either a firearm or pepper spray, ensure

you are properly trained to use these items.? Fatal accidents can

result from improper use or inadequate training.

Tips for avoiding other animal attacks

• Avoid sudden movements around animals
• Never pet an unknown dog
• Never pet or kiss an animal, avoid petting them on the head
• Do not reach into animal cages
• After preparing food, wash your hands before touching an animal
• Never leave children alone with animals
• Do not try to take food or toys from an animal
• Do not try to separate fighting animals

Perhaps the greatest danger from an animal attack or bite comes from

the initial trauma of the bites or scratches.? After the initial blood

loss has been controlled and first aid has been rendered, there should

be concern for infection.? Often times, antibiotics are indicated

following an animal bite, especially wild animals.?

Rabies is always a

concern and victims of animal attacks should speak with their health

professional immediately about treatment or prevention following a

bite.? Frequently, stitching or tightly closing an animal bite will

only serve to trap dangerous bacteria in the wound.

Finally, after being bitten, do not forget to check the status of your last tetanus shot.

Bear scare gadgets

Before hitting the trails in North America, you might like to whack these into your hiking pack…



Bear pepper spray

Bear bells

Further reading about?

Bear attacks



Surviving a mountain lion attack

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