Animals and Camping
One of the best parts about camping is being able to see animals in their natural habitat. National and state parks have been setup to help preserve nature and animals that are threatened by modern civilization. Camping is now the only way to see many species of wildlife and taking time to watch the animals can be a fun part of your camping trip.
Before you leave for your camping trip you'll want to do some research. Find out what type of animals are going to be in the area that you're camping. Make sure you know what animals may present a danger to you or your family. Also find out if carrying a firearm is allowed where you will be camping. If so, be sure to bring one. If any animal appears to be threatening you or your family a shot in the air will typically scare them away. Certain seasons also present unique opportunities to observe animals such as during migrations.
Read up on the animals that you are likely to see and if bringing kids be sure to educate them about the different animals. Camping can be not only fun, but educational as well. You'll also want to make sure and get a nice set of binoculars to bring with you. If you are prepared, your camping trip can be a great educational opportunity to see animals in the wild.
Once you are on your camping trip it's time to see what there is to see. Be smart when choosing where and when to look for animals. Refer back to the research you did before leaving for your camping trip. Animals are more likely to be active during the cooler parts of the day. Sources of water are a great place to find some animals stopping for a drink. Remember to be safe and not approach any animals, this is why you brought binoculars. While camping you want to make sure that your presence makes as little impact on nature as possible and that includes not interfering with the animals. Above all you should never try and feed any wild animals that you find while camping. If you see an animal that is hurt, don't try and approach it. Instead, let a park ranger know about the injured animal.
Your job is to be a silent observer. Patience will also be key while watching for animals. Just when you're ready to go is usually when a rare bird or lovely family of deer will emerge. If you are with children make sure they understand that they need to be quiet in order for the animals to come out. Also make sure they understand that they shouldn't try to pet the animals.
Nature is full of many wonderful things and camping is all about experiencing them. For a kid it can be exhilarating to see a wild deer for the first time, or even a wild rabbit. It's even more fun to search out beavers, porcupines, and other less seen animals while camping. As long as you're patient, informed, and safe, animal watching can be a fun activity for your next camping trip.
