Lions, Tigers and Bears

“Hello folks :) Now that I've decided to be a backpacker, some concerns have come up during my recent daytime outings. Animals being the concern of the moment.

It was a beautiful day as I was hiking up the road (7810) to Coplay Lake and decided a nap would be nice. But thoughts of cougars, bears and other animals/predators kept me from doing so.

My question is (so I also have an answer for my children), should I be concerned at that time of day? What about at night? What are the chances and/or safety precautions I need to take to have an anxiety free hike and overnighter? I'm thinking these are concerns that others before me surely had. Any advice, teachings and or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.”

“Mountain lions should be your biggest concern (unless your in Africa or South Asia). They are more active at dusk and night, but are a threat at any time. Not being alone is the best defense. Bears (other than ole griz) is not such a big concern, just don't rub fried chicken on yourself or your clothes before you stretch out in the sun to doze.”

“Animals are way more afraid of you than you are of them. With few exceptions, the only time you ever hear of "animal altercations" is when some touron leaves his food out in the open which attracts an otherwise wild animal. Even in those cases, the animal in question, be it bear, racoon or whatever, is after your sandwich, not you!

There's nothing to be afraid of except two-legged animals, or, the drive to the campgr