Wildlife Safety

Wildlife Hazards

The North Cascades ecosystem is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, cougars, wolves, and mountain goats. These animals generally fear and avoid people. This behavior can change over time if humans approach too closely or if they receive human food, which may lead to animals seeking out humans and human areas.

Keep a Safe Distance

Observe wildlife from a distance and give them plenty of space. Never approach or follow wildlife. You must stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards (23 m) away from all other large animals, including elk, mountain goat, deer, moose, and coyotes.

 

Be Aware of Surroundings

Some environmental conditions make it hard for animals to see, hear, or smell approaching hikers. Be particularly careful by streams, against the wind, or in dense vegetation. A blind corner or a rise in the trail also requires special attention. Look for scat and tracks, and avoid hiking very early in the morning, very late in the day, or after dark.

Keep children close to the group, preferably in plain sight and just ahead of you. If walking and hiking with your pet, keep them on a leash. Unleased dogs can provoke large wildlife to chase or aggressively defend themselves.

Secure Food and Garbage

Unattended human food, waste, and scented items can attract animals. Never leave food, garbage, or anything used to prepare, consume, store, or transport food unattended. This includes your backpack or day pack. Secure all food and odorous items safely and pack out all garbage. Other scented items include toiletries, feminine products, sunscreen, etc. Canned goods and coolers do not effectively contain scent and can be opened by wildlife.

While in camp, food, trash, toiletries, and camping fuel must be stored properly in a bear box, bear proof container, or hung at least 15 feet from the ground and 5 feet from the tree trunk.

 

Wildlife Encounters

When you see a bear, cougar, or wolf:

• Do not run or turn your back, as these actions may provoke large wildlife to chase you. Act dominant: stand tall, talk firmly, maintain eye contact, and back away slowly while facing the animal. Break sticks, shake branches, clap your hands, and make yourself look big by raising your arms or standing on a log, which may also encourage the animal to retreat.
• Make noise to avoid surprising large wildlife. If you find yourself too close (less than 100 feet), slowly back away while talking firmly and remain in plain sight until you are at a safe distance.
• Never stay between large wildlife and their offspring.
• Do not approach dead animals, especially recently killed or partially covered deer and elk.
• A vocalizing animal is usually defensive. If a bear bluff charges you, stand your ground, then back away slowly. Bluff charges are meant to intimidate you to leave and rarely result in contact.
• Attacks by large wildlife are extremely rare. If a black bear, cougar, or wolf attacks you, stay on your feet and always fight back.

Help us keep people and wildlife safe by reporting sightings and encounters at visitor contact station or by email.