RV safety doesn’t just involve having your Class A motorhome, travel trailer or fifth wheel inspected before you leave home. Yes, it is important to have your vehicle inspected before you leave on any long vacation or exploration. It is also important to have your oil changed and your tire pressure checked. However, just as important is making sure you will be safe once you arrive at your camping destination.
Wild animals, especially in areas where grizzly bears are common and have become familiar with humans, can be a threat. This was demonstrated earlier this summer outside of Yellowstone Park when a bear left a camper dead and two others injured. The main problem in this situation is bears have begun to associate humans with food. When that happens, bears may get aggressive with humans in order to get to food.
This is not always an obvious attack, such as a camper sleeping with a pizza box on his or her chest. Bears have an incredible sense of smell and as such, can be drawn to items such as deodorant and toothpaste. And bears are strong. They can rip open the door of a car or Recreational Vehicle if the food motivation is strong enough. In order to protect yourself, be sure to store food in a bear locker or in a bear canister. Check with rangers if you are at a National Park to find out where bear incidents have been common in the past and stay away from those areas.
Dawn and dusk are the two most common times for animal attacks. This is when they hunt. If you are out for a jog, or kids are running around at these times, they may be seen as prey, or as a game for some animals. The most common threat is the mountain lion or cougar. Just as bears are becoming comfortable with humans, so too are mountain lions. In areas where their prey has been diminished due to building or human development, they turn to the next easiest things – pets and humans.
Dogs, cats, children and adults have all suffered mountain lion attacks. While fairly rare, there are a few things to be considered in order to increase safety. Don’t run or jog during dawn and dusk. If you are in the backcountry, walk. If you have a dog or pet with you, keep them on leash. Their running and explorations can be a target for a mountain lion. Keep kids close to you and in a busy camping area. Noise and lots of people are generally a good deterrent for mountain lions.
Bring lots of layers of clothing. Whether you are camping in California or Wyoming, weather patterns can change drastically. Getting caught in a rain or hailstorm can bring on hypothermia fairly quickly. Be sure you have raingear to stay dry and warmer layers such as a fleece in case temperatures drop rapidly. In the mountains of Colorado, Montana and Wyoming, it’s not uncommon to have snows into July and starting again late August or September. Be prepared.
Keep a map and compass with you and know how to use them. Whether you are driving or camping, it’s easy to get lost. In the wilderness GPS units are not always reliable. Batteries run out or reception can be lost. As you go, take note of landmarks and have a good sense of where you are in case you need to turn back. Unless you are familiar with backcountry camping, stay on a trail. If you get lost and are unsure of the last time you were on a trail, stay put until someone finds you. Having a mirror or matches to start a fire or signal a plane or search party will be beneficial.
No matter where you choose to spend your Recreational vehicle vacation, stay safe. Know the terrain, know what animals are potential threats – bears, mountain lions, mice, and snakes and do your best to prevent an encounter. Be sure to have lots of layers, water and matches in case you do get lost. Let someone know where you plan on being and have fun. It’s wild out there!
