Dangerous Animals: Recognize and Avoid

The wild is home to many animals, and most of them want nothing to do with people. If they see, hear, or smell you coming, they usually move away. Trouble starts when an animal is surprised, cornered, or protecting its babies or its food. Your job is simple: notice them early, give them plenty of space, and let them go about their day. Animals and the rules for them are different from place to place, so always follow the advice of a local ranger or guide.

🌿 The Wild Way (give every animal space)

• GIVE SPACE: watch animals from far away. If an animal changes what it is doing because of you, you are too close.
• HANDS OFF: never feed, touch, chase, or corner a wild animal - even a small or friendly-looking one.
• LEAVE BABIES ALONE: a baby animal on its own is rarely lost. A parent may be close by and ready to protect it.
• SNAKES: stop, then back away slowly. Never touch or poke one, and watch where you put your hands and feet.
• BEES AND WASPS: if you see a nest or lots of buzzing, walk calmly away. Do not swat or wave your arms.
• LARGE ANIMALS: stay together, stay calm, and back away slowly. Follow the local ranger’s or guide’s advice for that area.

Around camp

• PACK FOOD AWAY: keep all food and trash packed away and away from tents, so animals are not drawn to where you sleep.
• CHECK BEFORE YOU PUT ON: shake out shoes, clothes, and sleeping bags before you use them - small creatures like to hide inside.
• LOOK BEFORE YOU REACH: do not put your hands under rocks, logs, or into holes you cannot see into.
• IF SOMEONE IS BITTEN OR STUNG: keep them still and calm and tell an adult at once. The adult calls your local emergency number if needed.