Poll a bunch of hikers and one of the top things they worry about will inevitably be animal attacks. As backpackers and hikers, we put ourselves in wildlife’s home turf—that’s part of the fun—and there are a few key precautions to take to make sure it stays fun. The first is the most obvious, but least followed: proper food management. Don’t give any animal—whether it’s a bear, a raccoon, or a mouse—an easy meal; that will just encourage them. Second, know the habits and behaviors of predators in your area. Steer clear of bears with cubs, and ungulates during the mating season. But the worst situation—the one you never see coming—is the surprise attack. In that case, your best choice may be the least palatable: Stand your ground and fight for your life.
In the wake of a fatal snakebite on a Tennessee trail, Editor-in-Chief Adam Roy dives into one of their most common causes.
Yes, there are hazardous creatures out there in the woods. But that doesn’t mean you need to fear them. From rattlesnakes to alligators, here’s what you need to know about some of the wild’s most infamous creatures and what to do if you see them.
The British Columbia man emerged from the animal encounter relatively unscathed.
They’re big, scaly, and have a massive set of jaws. But as long as they take a few easy precautions, hikers and kayakers can coexist peacefully with gators.
Yes, you can find snake repellent on shelves. It won’t keep snakes away from your campsite.
Rattlesnakes bite 150,000 pets each year in the U.S. These innovative rattlesnake training courses could save you and your canine companion.
In July 2013, Matt Dyer was lucky enough to see a polar bear in Canada’s Torngat Mountains. His good fortune ended there.
Warm summers mean more snakes, and more people outside mean more encounters. Here's what to do if you get bitten.
Despite warnings, rules, and common sense, tourists in Yellowstone keep approaching bears and bison.
They’re slithery, occasionally venomous, and many hikers’ worst nightmare. Learning to coexist with these reptiles just takes a little knowledge.
A wild cougar makes a big impression, especially when you're alone.
How best to deal with spiders, bugs, or whatever else inhabits your worst nightmares.
Hate snakes? This product promises to send them running.