The Animals and Bugs of Mother Nature

First, since you've decided to ferret out a natural setting in a national park, campsite, or other wilderness area, encounters with nature and wildlife are possible. Unfortunately, man's encroachment on nature is increasing and you may notice such signs in the form of high-tension electrical wires, a water-runoff viaduct, or a swath of land once cleared for the laying of a pipeline.

It is in nature that we can still take time to reflect and get away from the noise of the cities, the pollution, and hustle and bustle that goes along with the urban experience. Seeking out nature affords us with the chance to see a clear blue sky filled with stars, swim in unchlorinated pools of water, and hear the howls and hoots of nature's creatures. Follow the rules for observing animals and try not to disturb them in their natural environment.

While we're on the subject of animals, it's pretty much a given—but important to remember—that you're likely to encounter wildlife in the woods. The chances of coming face-to-face with an animal is pretty remote, but you'll probably hear plenty of animals doing their thing. As you become more and more acquainted with the outdoors, you may be able to identify the animals making those noises behind the trees. In some wilderness areas, organized wolf howlings are an exciting part of the outdoor experience. Rangers take groups of nature-seekers into the woods for a communal howl in an attempt to raise the haunting bay of wolves in the distance. In moose country, keep an eye out for moose in the woods. If you encounter one of these majestic creatures, stop and stand still so you don't scare it away or alarm it. Most moose will go about their business rooting for food, and it is quite a sight to see. Slow down when driving to a trailhead or to a campsite in areas where moose are present. A collision with a moose can be deadly for both of you.

If a moose does appear in the road, stop and honk your horn. At night, stop, turn off the headlights, and honk. Any moose with an ounce of sense will hightail it for the trees. Remember, all animals encountered in the wilderness can be unpredictable. Avoid getting too close, and if an animal appears agitated move slowly away to avoid startling it.

In bear country, you want to avoid attracting these animals by suspending anything related to food from trees. Most parks and public wilderness areas will alert you to the likelihood of encountering “dangerous” wildlife and tell you what steps to take in discouraging these animals from visiting your campsite.

There are animals that you only want to see or encounter from a distance. One of the most feared is the bear, which has become “civilized” by humans who have tempted and fed these potentially dangerous animals with food. Feeding animals in the woods is very bad: Not only do animals begin to crave human offerings, they actually begin to depend on them for sustenance. Bears that return to campsites time-and-time-again for handouts usually end up being destroyed by authorities.

Because the smell of food may summon unwelcome company in the form of bears, all food and garbage should be suspended out of the reach of bears. Find a tree at least 300 feet from your campsite and suspend all food in a sturdy bag 10 feet off the ground from a tree branch. The bag with food should be hung 10 feet out from the tree trunk so it can't be reached by bears that have climbed the tree trunk. Food should also never be stored in a vehicle in areas where bears are prevalent. Recent reports of bears smashing car windows to get a snack are increasing. Likewise, never store food inside a tent, or for that matter anything that smells good (including toothpaste). You may be in for a rude awakening.

Admittedly, the most irritating “wildlife” in the wilderness areas are the mosquitos, black flies, and horseflies. They can be a real pain in the butt! Mosquitos are most prevalent in the early part of the summer and taper off toward the end of July. The height of black-fly season overlaps with the mosquito season in July, and depending on what part of the country you're in, horseflies will arrive on the scene at different times as well. What does this mean for the outdoor vacationer? Simple: Arm yourself against these little devils with insect repellent, and wear appropriate protective clothing.

Select an insect repellent that contains the chemical DEET. (Be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions when using pesticides.) Keep in mind, however, that DEET has a “meltdown” effect on some plastics, and many outdoor photographers simply detest the stuff because it can damage their expensive cameras. An alternative to this potentially offensive chemical is to look for repellents that contain citronella. Take along a variety of repellents; try them all to see which one is most effective.

Another strategy for repelling insects is to avoid wearing dark clothing, particularly dark blue and black (two of the bugs' favorite shades). Stick to lighter colors like pale yellow and light tans. Clothing should also be loose fitting and have tight cuffs. A hat is essential to keep bugs out of your hair; heavy socks can help prevent bugs from leaving those oh-so-annoying ankle bites.

In addition to these home-brewed methods of fending off irritating insects, there are bug nets that are pulled over the face and neck, and bug jackets (which include this feature) that create a virtually impenetrable barrier between you and the bloodthirsty pests.