Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my!
So, you won’t find lions and tigers on your next hike, but you can run into a black bear or a moose if you’re hiking in the New England area.
Bears should always be treated with caution. They will generally avoid human contact but can be attracted by any food you may bring with you, so be careful not to leave any open food or food scraps around your campsite or hiking trail.
Remember: DO NOT FEED THE BEARS!
If you encounter a bear, the best thing to do is do not panic, and don’t try to run away. Lay flat on your stomach with your legs spread out with your hands and fingers at your head to protect your head and neck areas.
I’ve actually have seen ONE moose in my lifetime in the wild. We were traveling thru New Hampshire and spotted on right by the side of the road. It was a glimpse and it was GONE.
Admittedly one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen. This is a lot different than encountering one face-to-face on the trail. Moose can be very dangerous as they may see you as a threat to steal its mate (especially during mating season).
Moose will usually try to scare you off so it’s a good idea to move on – back away slowly, keep a soft voice, and do not yell.
There are many other animals you can encounter and it’s important to remember that you’re in their habitat and should respect where they live. Remember to:
- Enjoy animals from a distance
- Don’t feed the animals
- Avoid chasing animals
- Don’t try to pick up a sick or abandoned animal