I have a little question concerning renting 4x4 for off road usage in the US.
I was told by a rental company that they don’t allow their 4x4s to be used off paved roads, they also mentioned this is standard policy for all rental agencies in the US.
I’m pretty sure some of you have rented and gone off road in the US. Do you simply rent and take the risk of having the insurance being void in case of damage? What happens if you need assistance while stuck off road?
Are there any companies to your knowledge that don’t mind renting cars that are taken on dirt roads?
Thank you for your help.
Here are a few more questions for you experts of the US wilderness.
Were I’m from there are no bears or rattlesnakes. Now bears do look cute but what should I know and in case of an encounter? Do bear sprays provide enough protection? If I keep food in the tent does that mean a bear will want to join me in the tent?
Is it true that if I encounter a hungry angry bear I should try to say “hey little bear take it easy” and try to caress his head to calm it down?
On a more serious note what do you do about rattlesnakes? How many does one encounter say in late September in Utah or Nevada out in the desert lands?
Do they like tents?
And are there any other of mans best friends I should know about and watch out for? How about bisons or elk can they be of serious threat?
Don't worry.... our bears have developed a love of all types of European food. The only question will be what type of wine to have. I suggest to carry a nice Merlot It also helps if one member of your group only runs very slowly.
Actually, I'm sure that you will get a lot of good information from people on this site. You don't want to sleep with your food in the tent, learn about food storage and learn how to pack your food properly. If you are going to be camping away from established sites, then you might want to bring a bear proof storage container. You also do not want to leave your food in your car. If you do, you will then also need a new car, plus food when the bear is finished pulling the doors off. Most campsites in the big National Parks have steel Bear boxes for food storage. Even if you go on short hikes, take the food out of your car and store it in these boxes. It helps if one member of your group only runs very slowly.
As for Rattlesnakes, really no need to worry. Wear good hiking boots and don't step on one, which would be very unlikely.... and if you are lucky enough to see one don't play with it and you'll get along fine. Just watch it from a distance.
QUOTE Charlie VanTassel "Don't worry.... our bears have developed a love of all types of European food. The only question will be what type of wine to have. I suggest to carry a nice Merlot It also helps if one member of your group only runs very slowly."
I will be in front in the middle and the back of my group simply because I am the group.
I don't drink wine (despite being French) but I can bring honey, rumor has it bears enjoy that.
The larger rental companies all have this policy about off-road driving. Some smaller rental places do offer off-road vehicles for trail use but only in specific areas (e.g. some shops around Moab).
As long as you stick to well-graded dirt roads you will probably be ok with most high-clearance SUVs.
What you do in case of a bear attack depends on the type of bear it is. In any case, chances are most bears will take off running at the first hint of human presence. You are much more likely to get severely bit by a loose dog or slip in the shower than you assaulted by a bear.
In any case DO NOT take food or anything smelling like food (including toothpaste) into your tent in bear country. Black bears may well try to get to it (if they do, don't try to take it back).
Rattlesnakes will never attack you without provocation. Just watch where you step. If you get bit, get yourself to the nearest hospital fast. Rattlesnake bites are rarely lethal but the longer you wait, the greater the damage may be.
Thank you Guy is it comforting to know all this.
As for the off roads I plan on going many different areas so Moab alone is not good enough.
I will be going off roads on the grand staircase as well as in Nevada and possibly Death Valley. Sounds like I will have to do so at my own risk.
Emmanuel, when are you going to be in Escalante? My wife and I will be there 9/17 - 9/19 after a stop in Bryce. Perhaps we can meet up and get our vehicles stuck together?? LOL We are making a loop through Bryce, Escalante, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, and Grand Canyon.
We have an SUV reserved out of Las Vegas. While we do not plan to push the envelope too far, we will drive Hole in the Rock Rd, 7 mile loop, and the dirt roads in Arches and Canyonlands. I just don't believe that a careful driver is taking too much risk. I will not enter deep sand, or extremely rough roads. I will also watch the weather carefully to be sure flash flooding doesn't degrade the roads too much.
RE bear - DON'T TAKE ANYTHING INTO YOUR TENT THAT HAS AN INHERENT ODOR TO IT. This includes all forms of food (packaged or not), soap, tooth paste, some toilet paper, deodorant, etc. Lock these items securely in a bear proof container outside your tent.
If you run into a bear while hiking stop - slowly retreat. If the bear doesn't run and seems interested in you make a lot of noise, wave your hands and arms, and stand up tall. 99.99% of the bear will run the other way. If for some highly unusual reason the bear approaches you your spray MAY help. However when all else fails roll up in a ball and play dead. Really, however, you will not have to do this.
RE snakes, they will hear (feel) you coming and retreat long before you see them. If you do stumble upon one stop moving and slowly back up. Always watch where you step. Do not ever step over a rock or log without checking out what is on the other side first. Never put your hands on or into something without being totally sure the space is vacant.
Check out the various websites re the bear and snakes for more info.
If we can meet up it would be great. Feel free to PM me and we can make arrangements.
Emmanuel, the main dirt roads in Escalante and Death Valley are pretty well maintained. You may get some washboard and ruts but not much that would be too challenging or damaging to the vehicle. As long as you don't get on the more "technical" trails you will probably be ok (and if you're not an experienced 4x4 driver, I wouldn't risk it anyway, certainly not with a stock vehicle).
In either case there's only so much you can see from the road (certainly the case for Escalante). I suggest you use the vehicle to get to the trailheads and explore on foot from there if you want to get the most out of the place.
Rattle snakes. Will not chase you. You need to be careful to NEVER step where you can't see and never put your hand where you can't see. They can crawl into tents, so be sure to zip up the bottom very tightly. Scorpions can be a problem also, but not nearly as severe. If bit by a snake, do get to a hospital as quickly as possible. Always have a flashlight if walking around at night anywhere you go so you can spot the snakes. They hunt at night. Remember that very small ones are dangerous too. If you hear a rattle, slowly back away the way you came.
Bears. DO NOT put food in your tent or even near it. Standard practice is to either lock food in car or tie a long rope around it, throw rope over tree branch, and hoist food 10 feet up in the air and tie off the rope. Bear spray is very effective. I carry it when in grizzly bear country. Will also stop a mountian lion attack. Lions are actually more dangerous. Avoid running around in the dark alone. Be especially careful if you are in a place that has a lot of deer. Almost certain to be mountain lions somewhere. Coyotes won't harm an adult person but I do NOT trust them with children under 8 years old. Be careful of any small animal that acts strange or is not afraid of you. It might have rabies. If you somehow do get bit any mammal, I suggest a rabies shot.
Buffalo are easily the most dangerous critter out there, far more people killed by them than snakes, bears, lions. Keep well away from any solitary bulls, like 100 meters or even 200 meters. The buffalo cows aren't quite as dangerous, but I still wouldn't try to pet one or something. If a herd bull sees you fooling around too close to a cow, it might attack. They are VERY fast too. Fast as a horse. Bear spray likely would not stop a buffalo. I wouldn't want to be close enough to find out if it does or not. Not sure there are any buffalo where you are going--I kind of doubt it.
Elk are generally not dangerous, especially in places they are hunted. I wouldn't fool around with a bull elk in Sept./October though as they are in rut and a little crazy. Keep a little distance and you should be fine. Cow elk won't attack.
Just use common sense around animals and you shouldn't have any trouble. If walking at night, even to the bathroom, use a flashlight so you don't step on any snakes. Problems from animal attacks are really pretty rare. Lightening storms are generally a more serious threat. Don't camp under trees or on high areas.
Ed.. I will also do much the same loop you doing, I will start my journey on the 7th of September and if it happens we are near by I would enjoy meeting up.
I plan to visit Canyonlands, Arches, Escalante, Zion if I decide to visit the subway (I would of enjoyed sleeping there but I read it is not allowed) maybe Bryce, Coyote Buttes, Goblins and whatever else time permits before I make my way into Nevada and California.
Kent.. I will be in Yellowstone end of august early September so I will see Buffalo’s, it is good to know how dangerous they can be.
It is also good to know Elks are less of a threat but I doubt I will get close enough to find out if it is a bull elk or not, unless one can tell from far away.
There are scorpions too? oh boy oh boy I don't like them, I will have to check any clothes or gear to make sure one didn't sneak in there..lol Does the bear spray work on Scorpions? They should make a universal spray..
One thing. I disagree with Kent's suggestion to pack food in your car in bear country. Even in the trunk of the car. It is well known that a bear can open your car very easily. You can also receive a nice fine ($5,000.00) for doing so.
Look here:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bears.htm
Be sure to look at the food storage video
The bears in Yosemite have long ago learned the trick of the rope in the tree with food at the end of it. It is just a game for them with the prize always to be eating your food.
A good rule with snakes and scorpions is "Never send your hands or feet where your eyes have not been first." Scorpion stings, incidentally, are mostly just painful, for an hour or so, barring allergic reactions. The exception to this is the bark scorpion, Centruroides exilicauda (aka, C. sculpturata.) It is mostly confined to the Sonoran Desert region, extending up the Colorado R, down near the floodplain, into the lower Green river region. Also, in cities only, in southern California and southern Nevada, where it has been introduced with nursery stock from Arizona. In regions where it is found, most hospitals will stock an antivenom. Nobody has died of the sting since at least the early 1960s.
Snakes are a more serious consideration. American vipers are larger than European vipers and mostly have more potent venom. The worst case, the Mohave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus), has a neurotoxic venom of roughly the same potency as the Indian cobra. Within its range hospitals will stock an effective antivenom. It is found in southern Nevada and extreme southwestern Utah (around St George), south into Mexico. With bites of this species PROMPT hospitalization is critical. Over most of Utah and the Rocky Mountains the species you are least unlikely to encounter is the Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis). It has a haemotoxic venom; it's bite is roughly similar to the Levantine Viper (Vipera lebentina) in European terms. Again, hospitals will stock an effective antivenom. There are a number of other species possible southwards, All have haematoxic venom and a bite roughly equal to the Levantine viper. Unless you go looking for them, in habitat and at night, you are unlikely to even see any. With all these, except the Mohave rattlesnake, the danger is tissue damage, not death. (You could die of the bite, untreated, but probably wouldn't, barring an allergic reaction, and a hospital is prepared to deal with all the potential problems.)
As to mammals, be aware that what Americans call "Elk" (Cervus canadensis) is a Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) in European terms. Use the same precautions you'd use in approaching a stag or hind in Europe with bull or cow "elk". What Europeans call Elk (Alces alces) we call "moose" (same species). Again, the same precautions apply as with their European counterpart. Mule Deer and White-tailed Deer have no direct European counterpart. The greatest danger associated with either is running into one on the road at night. They tend to get bumped up and come through the windshield. An encounter at high speed is apt to be mutualy fatal. This is the most common source of human injury involving wildlife in the US.
Others have dealt with bears. I'd just add, at all costs avoid "bear jams", the traffic jam caused by tourists leaving their cars to swarm a roadside bear. This is the most dangerous situation you can be involved in with bears. If stuck in one, stay in your car with the windows up. There'll be plenty of idiots running about outside to keep a bear from getting interested in the contents of your car in one of these.
Others have dealt with bears. I'd just add, at all costs avoid "bear jams", the traffic jam caused by tourists leaving their cars to swarm a roadside bear. This is the most dangerous situation you can be involved in with bears.
Barring, of course, inadvertently finding yourself between a sow and her cub(s).
Thank you Will, lots of good info there.
In regards to bears, if having food in the tent or near the tent, inside the car or on a rope is not good, what other options are there when bear proof containers or canisters are not available? I read the link you provided Charlie very good info as well and interesting photo documents many thanks.
On the bright side bears and snakes are no found in the same regions (I hope), thus I have to worry about one at a time.
How come buffalos are the most dangerous of them all? Aren’t they easy to avoid?
In some national parks in CA you can rent a bear canister (I know you can in Sequoia /King's Canyon, not sure about other places). Either way, they are about $50-60 to buy so not a major expense. Some people prefer the Ursack since it's easier to pack but the down side is the bear can really mash up your food before it gives up. Also, the canisters make for nice sitting stools around camp.
The one I have used is called Bear Keg, sold through REI. Search Bear Keg on Google for info. You can probably buy one or two on line. It is a nice bright yellow color so that when the bear is finished playing with it three days later you can possibly find it still
Posted by Kent Staubus on July 5, 2007 at 11:20 PM
I live in buffalo country. There is a herd about 5 miles from me. Keep in mind I grew up with cattle on a farm, so I know a bit about large animals. Buffalo are dangerous because of three things, I think:
1) Very protective herd bulls. Remember that they evolved having to defend themselves from grizzley bears, saber tooth cats, and packs of wolves. They are VERY formidable and quick to react when threatened. They believe a good defense is a good offense.
2) They are very, very fast and athletic. I compare them to a 1,500 pound horse with a BAD attitude.
3) They look peaceful when grazing, and people think "cows". Really, they should think "rhinocerous!"
I've been around cattle all my life but I have to say even I can't reliably predict a bull buffalo. They are very wild and not at all afraid of people. They know they are big and their instinct is to crush anything that gets too close. The female buffalo do seem to be far more docile, but even there the danger is if you get between a herd bull and the cows, he could get pissed. I think the main reason buffalo kill so many tourists is they just don't comprehend how fast, violent, and unpredictible the things are. The solitary bulls are most dangerous in my experience. If they are frightened, it's a 50/50 chance they will run AT you instead of away from you. If one stops grazing and looks at you for longer than 5 seconds, you are too close. If one turns around so it is facing you, get out of there! If one starts shaking it's head, it's warning you it will attack. If they paw the ground while looking at you or shake their head, an attack is on the way. They don't always give a warning. The buffalo in Yellowstone are used to people, and you will no doubt see some tourists get very stupidly close. Keep in mind how unpredictible the things are, and just because one guy got within 10 meters and walked away doesn't mean you will 5 minutes later. Again, these critters move as fast as a rodeo horse--I've seen it! Give them some space and watch them closely. Keep in mind where the nearest climbable tree is.
When I first moved to South Dakota, I was out taking photos of a small herd of buffalo one winter. I looked around carefully but saw no adult bulls, only cows with 6 month old calves. I got a bit close and was busy taking photos using a tripod. I didn't pay attention--big mistake. Suddenly I was knocked flat and sent sprawling in the snow! I immediately rolled over and saw two "teenage" bulls towering over me! I knew I was in big trouble with the things almost on top of me. I managed to scramble away up a tree. It turned out they were young bulls and were just "playing" with me. If they had been adult herd bulls I would have been squished. Ever since then, I keep my eyes open and pay attention to all directions around me. And, I don't take chances with buffalo.
I agree with the posts about buffalo. They are probably the most dangerous thing you will encounter, including rattlesnakes.
Two minor additional things about buffalo--They raise their tails up for two reasons, either to "poop" or because they are very angry. If they're looking steadily at you while the tail goes up, they are probably very angry. Look for a tree or a very large rock to go up, or at least get behind.
Also, buffalo are very dark and light-absorbent. Because the bulls are so massive, running into them with a car is extremely dangerous to those in the car (and yes, to the bull as well). In Yellowstone in particular, the buffalo often walk on the roads because it is the easiest route between two points. At night, the buffalo seem to just absorb the light from car headlights and disappear. At night, this can be very dangerous. If you drive fast at night, you can be on top of a buffalo before you know it. If you hit him going at speed, there's a good chance you will be killed. This is especially dangerous at Yellowstone, but it is a risk anywhere there are buffalo (also known as bison).
With all these dire warnings, you'll be happy to know that most of our birds are totally harmless as long as you leave them alone!
I’m glad I discovered this forum you guys are a moving encyclopedia.
Great stuff, nice stories and serious information at the same time.
I will try to retain all that has been said here but I will also pick up conversations here and there with park rangers to be certain I know what I’m doing.
Mike your birds don’t have the flu yet? That is by far the most threatening situation.
I grew up in rattlesnake country, worked there for many years, and still make frequent visits. Old timers who accept them as part of the landscape and don't see the need to kill them are in the habit of carrying a walking stick and probing into areas they can't see clearly before passing through. Works for me. I guess that's another thing I can add to the list of symptoms saying I've become an old timer, if not a full-fledged codger.
For many years I worked in serious blackbear country, and for the last 30+ years have lived in brown bear country- infrequently having them come into our yard at home and frequently encountering them while recreating. This website has very useful resources plus links to those in other states and countries. As with rattlesnakes, it works for me.
Like Kent, I grew up working with cattle and still do so. I've also worked a lot with buffalo, as well as recreating around them. His points are very well taken.
Discussion
20 repliesI was told by a rental company that they don’t allow their 4x4s to be used off paved roads, they also mentioned this is standard policy for all rental agencies in the US.
I’m pretty sure some of you have rented and gone off road in the US. Do you simply rent and take the risk of having the insurance being void in case of damage? What happens if you need assistance while stuck off road?
Are there any companies to your knowledge that don’t mind renting cars that are taken on dirt roads?
Thank you for your help.
Were I’m from there are no bears or rattlesnakes. Now bears do look cute but what should I know and in case of an encounter? Do bear sprays provide enough protection? If I keep food in the tent does that mean a bear will want to join me in the tent?
Is it true that if I encounter a hungry angry bear I should try to say “hey little bear take it easy” and try to caress his head to calm it down?
On a more serious note what do you do about rattlesnakes? How many does one encounter say in late September in Utah or Nevada out in the desert lands?
Do they like tents?
And are there any other of mans best friends I should know about and watch out for? How about bisons or elk can they be of serious threat?
Actually, I'm sure that you will get a lot of good information from people on this site. You don't want to sleep with your food in the tent, learn about food storage and learn how to pack your food properly. If you are going to be camping away from established sites, then you might want to bring a bear proof storage container. You also do not want to leave your food in your car. If you do, you will then also need a new car, plus food when the bear is finished pulling the doors off. Most campsites in the big National Parks have steel Bear boxes for food storage. Even if you go on short hikes, take the food out of your car and store it in these boxes. It helps if one member of your group only runs very slowly.
As for Rattlesnakes, really no need to worry. Wear good hiking boots and don't step on one, which would be very unlikely.... and if you are lucky enough to see one don't play with it and you'll get along fine. Just watch it from a distance.
I will be in front in the middle and the back of my group simply because I am the group.
I don't drink wine (despite being French) but I can bring honey, rumor has it bears enjoy that.
As long as you stick to well-graded dirt roads you will probably be ok with most high-clearance SUVs.
What you do in case of a bear attack depends on the type of bear it is. In any case, chances are most bears will take off running at the first hint of human presence. You are much more likely to get severely bit by a loose dog or slip in the shower than you assaulted by a bear.
In any case DO NOT take food or anything smelling like food (including toothpaste) into your tent in bear country. Black bears may well try to get to it (if they do, don't try to take it back).
Rattlesnakes will never attack you without provocation. Just watch where you step. If you get bit, get yourself to the nearest hospital fast. Rattlesnake bites are rarely lethal but the longer you wait, the greater the damage may be.
Guy
As for the off roads I plan on going many different areas so Moab alone is not good enough.
I will be going off roads on the grand staircase as well as in Nevada and possibly Death Valley. Sounds like I will have to do so at my own risk.
We have an SUV reserved out of Las Vegas. While we do not plan to push the envelope too far, we will drive Hole in the Rock Rd, 7 mile loop, and the dirt roads in Arches and Canyonlands. I just don't believe that a careful driver is taking too much risk. I will not enter deep sand, or extremely rough roads. I will also watch the weather carefully to be sure flash flooding doesn't degrade the roads too much.
RE bear - DON'T TAKE ANYTHING INTO YOUR TENT THAT HAS AN INHERENT ODOR TO IT. This includes all forms of food (packaged or not), soap, tooth paste, some toilet paper, deodorant, etc. Lock these items securely in a bear proof container outside your tent.
If you run into a bear while hiking stop - slowly retreat. If the bear doesn't run and seems interested in you make a lot of noise, wave your hands and arms, and stand up tall. 99.99% of the bear will run the other way. If for some highly unusual reason the bear approaches you your spray MAY help. However when all else fails roll up in a ball and play dead. Really, however, you will not have to do this.
RE snakes, they will hear (feel) you coming and retreat long before you see them. If you do stumble upon one stop moving and slowly back up. Always watch where you step. Do not ever step over a rock or log without checking out what is on the other side first. Never put your hands on or into something without being totally sure the space is vacant.
Check out the various websites re the bear and snakes for more info.
If we can meet up it would be great. Feel free to PM me and we can make arrangements.
Ed
In either case there's only so much you can see from the road (certainly the case for Escalante). I suggest you use the vehicle to get to the trailheads and explore on foot from there if you want to get the most out of the place.
Guy
Bears. DO NOT put food in your tent or even near it. Standard practice is to either lock food in car or tie a long rope around it, throw rope over tree branch, and hoist food 10 feet up in the air and tie off the rope. Bear spray is very effective. I carry it when in grizzly bear country. Will also stop a mountian lion attack. Lions are actually more dangerous. Avoid running around in the dark alone. Be especially careful if you are in a place that has a lot of deer. Almost certain to be mountain lions somewhere. Coyotes won't harm an adult person but I do NOT trust them with children under 8 years old. Be careful of any small animal that acts strange or is not afraid of you. It might have rabies. If you somehow do get bit any mammal, I suggest a rabies shot.
Buffalo are easily the most dangerous critter out there, far more people killed by them than snakes, bears, lions. Keep well away from any solitary bulls, like 100 meters or even 200 meters. The buffalo cows aren't quite as dangerous, but I still wouldn't try to pet one or something. If a herd bull sees you fooling around too close to a cow, it might attack. They are VERY fast too. Fast as a horse. Bear spray likely would not stop a buffalo. I wouldn't want to be close enough to find out if it does or not. Not sure there are any buffalo where you are going--I kind of doubt it.
Elk are generally not dangerous, especially in places they are hunted. I wouldn't fool around with a bull elk in Sept./October though as they are in rut and a little crazy. Keep a little distance and you should be fine. Cow elk won't attack.
Just use common sense around animals and you shouldn't have any trouble. If walking at night, even to the bathroom, use a flashlight so you don't step on any snakes. Problems from animal attacks are really pretty rare. Lightening storms are generally a more serious threat. Don't camp under trees or on high areas.
Kent in SD
Ed.. I will also do much the same loop you doing, I will start my journey on the 7th of September and if it happens we are near by I would enjoy meeting up.
I plan to visit Canyonlands, Arches, Escalante, Zion if I decide to visit the subway (I would of enjoyed sleeping there but I read it is not allowed) maybe Bryce, Coyote Buttes, Goblins and whatever else time permits before I make my way into Nevada and California.
Kent.. I will be in Yellowstone end of august early September so I will see Buffalo’s, it is good to know how dangerous they can be.
It is also good to know Elks are less of a threat but I doubt I will get close enough to find out if it is a bull elk or not, unless one can tell from far away.
There are scorpions too? oh boy oh boy I don't like them, I will have to check any clothes or gear to make sure one didn't sneak in there..lol Does the bear spray work on Scorpions? They should make a universal spray..
One thing. I disagree with Kent's suggestion to pack food in your car in bear country. Even in the trunk of the car. It is well known that a bear can open your car very easily. You can also receive a nice fine ($5,000.00) for doing so.
Look here:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bears.htm
Be sure to look at the food storage video
The bears in Yosemite have long ago learned the trick of the rope in the tree with food at the end of it. It is just a game for them with the prize always to be eating your food.
Oh, should we tell you about the spiders too?
A good rule with snakes and scorpions is "Never send your hands or feet where your eyes have not been first." Scorpion stings, incidentally, are mostly just painful, for an hour or so, barring allergic reactions. The exception to this is the bark scorpion, Centruroides exilicauda (aka, C. sculpturata.) It is mostly confined to the Sonoran Desert region, extending up the Colorado R, down near the floodplain, into the lower Green river region. Also, in cities only, in southern California and southern Nevada, where it has been introduced with nursery stock from Arizona. In regions where it is found, most hospitals will stock an antivenom. Nobody has died of the sting since at least the early 1960s.
Snakes are a more serious consideration. American vipers are larger than European vipers and mostly have more potent venom. The worst case, the Mohave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus), has a neurotoxic venom of roughly the same potency as the Indian cobra. Within its range hospitals will stock an effective antivenom. It is found in southern Nevada and extreme southwestern Utah (around St George), south into Mexico. With bites of this species PROMPT hospitalization is critical. Over most of Utah and the Rocky Mountains the species you are least unlikely to encounter is the Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis). It has a haemotoxic venom; it's bite is roughly similar to the Levantine Viper (Vipera lebentina) in European terms. Again, hospitals will stock an effective antivenom. There are a number of other species possible southwards, All have haematoxic venom and a bite roughly equal to the Levantine viper. Unless you go looking for them, in habitat and at night, you are unlikely to even see any. With all these, except the Mohave rattlesnake, the danger is tissue damage, not death. (You could die of the bite, untreated, but probably wouldn't, barring an allergic reaction, and a hospital is prepared to deal with all the potential problems.)
As to mammals, be aware that what Americans call "Elk" (Cervus canadensis) is a Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) in European terms. Use the same precautions you'd use in approaching a stag or hind in Europe with bull or cow "elk". What Europeans call Elk (Alces alces) we call "moose" (same species). Again, the same precautions apply as with their European counterpart. Mule Deer and White-tailed Deer have no direct European counterpart. The greatest danger associated with either is running into one on the road at night. They tend to get bumped up and come through the windshield. An encounter at high speed is apt to be mutualy fatal. This is the most common source of human injury involving wildlife in the US.
Others have dealt with bears. I'd just add, at all costs avoid "bear jams", the traffic jam caused by tourists leaving their cars to swarm a roadside bear. This is the most dangerous situation you can be involved in with bears. If stuck in one, stay in your car with the windows up. There'll be plenty of idiots running about outside to keep a bear from getting interested in the contents of your car in one of these.
Will Pratt
Univ Nevada, Las Vegas
Barring, of course, inadvertently finding yourself between a sow and her cub(s).
Excellent and very informative post, Will!
Guy
In regards to bears, if having food in the tent or near the tent, inside the car or on a rope is not good, what other options are there when bear proof containers or canisters are not available? I read the link you provided Charlie very good info as well and interesting photo documents many thanks.
On the bright side bears and snakes are no found in the same regions (I hope), thus I have to worry about one at a time.
How come buffalos are the most dangerous of them all? Aren’t they easy to avoid?
Guy
1) Very protective herd bulls. Remember that they evolved having to defend themselves from grizzley bears, saber tooth cats, and packs of wolves. They are VERY formidable and quick to react when threatened. They believe a good defense is a good offense.
2) They are very, very fast and athletic. I compare them to a 1,500 pound horse with a BAD attitude.
3) They look peaceful when grazing, and people think "cows". Really, they should think "rhinocerous!"
I've been around cattle all my life but I have to say even I can't reliably predict a bull buffalo. They are very wild and not at all afraid of people. They know they are big and their instinct is to crush anything that gets too close. The female buffalo do seem to be far more docile, but even there the danger is if you get between a herd bull and the cows, he could get pissed. I think the main reason buffalo kill so many tourists is they just don't comprehend how fast, violent, and unpredictible the things are. The solitary bulls are most dangerous in my experience. If they are frightened, it's a 50/50 chance they will run AT you instead of away from you. If one stops grazing and looks at you for longer than 5 seconds, you are too close. If one turns around so it is facing you, get out of there! If one starts shaking it's head, it's warning you it will attack. If they paw the ground while looking at you or shake their head, an attack is on the way. They don't always give a warning. The buffalo in Yellowstone are used to people, and you will no doubt see some tourists get very stupidly close. Keep in mind how unpredictible the things are, and just because one guy got within 10 meters and walked away doesn't mean you will 5 minutes later. Again, these critters move as fast as a rodeo horse--I've seen it!
When I first moved to South Dakota, I was out taking photos of a small herd of buffalo one winter. I looked around carefully but saw no adult bulls, only cows with 6 month old calves. I got a bit close and was busy taking photos using a tripod. I didn't pay attention--big mistake. Suddenly I was knocked flat and sent sprawling in the snow! I immediately rolled over and saw two "teenage" bulls towering over me!
Kent in SD
Two minor additional things about buffalo--They raise their tails up for two reasons, either to "poop" or because they are very angry. If they're looking steadily at you while the tail goes up, they are probably very angry. Look for a tree or a very large rock to go up, or at least get behind.
Also, buffalo are very dark and light-absorbent. Because the bulls are so massive, running into them with a car is extremely dangerous to those in the car (and yes, to the bull as well). In Yellowstone in particular, the buffalo often walk on the roads because it is the easiest route between two points. At night, the buffalo seem to just absorb the light from car headlights and disappear. At night, this can be very dangerous. If you drive fast at night, you can be on top of a buffalo before you know it. If you hit him going at speed, there's a good chance you will be killed. This is especially dangerous at Yellowstone, but it is a risk anywhere there are buffalo (also known as bison).
With all these dire warnings, you'll be happy to know that most of our birds are totally harmless as long as you leave them alone!
Great stuff, nice stories and serious information at the same time.
I will try to retain all that has been said here but I will also pick up conversations here and there with park rangers to be certain I know what I’m doing.
Mike your birds don’t have the flu yet? That is by far the most threatening situation.
I just don't damage stuff. Except for that one time that, oh, never mind ...
Pete D.
For many years I worked in serious blackbear country, and for the last 30+ years have lived in brown bear country- infrequently having them come into our yard at home and frequently encountering them while recreating. This website has very useful resources plus links to those in other states and countries. As with rattlesnakes, it works for me.
Like Kent, I grew up working with cattle and still do so. I've also worked a lot with buffalo, as well as recreating around them. His points are very well taken.