Preventing wildlife encounters is important to maintaining a safe camp. Encourage campers and staff to follow these rules:
Tips For Avoiding a Wildlife Encounter:
Always keep a clean camp.
Never leave food lying out.
Never dump food scraps or other smelly stuff near your camping area.
If available, lock food, trash, and scented itms in a vehicle when not in use.
If in the wilderness without a car, food should be hung in a tree out of the reach of animals, and away from your tent.
Dispose of trash in animal resistant trash cans.
Remove grease from barbacue grills, including the grease cup underneath, after each use.
Plan ahead. Use camping areas that are known to be safe. Where possible, use designated camping areas.
Enjoy wildlife from a safe distance.
Never feed wild animals.
Never approach young animals.
Never touch dead animals found in the wild.
Schedule recreational activities during daylight hours.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Visit the sites below to find out more
about rabies and wildlife:
CDC Podcast
WV Public Health Rabies Page
CDC Rabies Page
CDC Bat Rabies
National Park Service
WV Division of Natural Resources