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Author :Stephanie A. Mayberry in RV Tips & Education

As the weather has gotten warmer here in South Carolina, I have noticed some little visitors coming around our RV. We are in a campground that is set in the middle of a more industrial area, and our little spot of heaven is really the only area with lots of trees and foliage. The critters come to visit.

I take our little dog out early in the mornings and more than once we’ve encountered a curious, young raccoon and a disinterested opossum. I’ve also seen foxes, squirrels, hawks and other wild animals. My little dog is afraid of the dark so he hurries, does his business, and gets back inside (yes, it is that early) – but we have seen these animals very close to our trailer. We have also seen evidence that they’ve come to visit. They have gotten into our trash can – that wasn’t any fun – and one of them took my sun catcher. They are getting more active now, the warmer it gets, so I thought a little piece on managing wildlife around your campsite would be timely. So here you go.

Do not feed the animals. I don’t care how cute that baby raccoon is or how much that squirrel begs or how cool it would be to say you fed a bear, it is not a good idea. Aside from the fact that you could be bitten or hurt, it isn’t good for the animals either. When I lived in Montana I would often hear of bears having to be put down because people fed them and they lost their fear of humans. When that happened they ventured further and further into human territory, getting into things and basically causing trouble. The authorities had no choice but to kill them. While you may think it is cute to hand feed a squirrel or raccoon, the next person in your spot may not see it the same way. You could be setting that animal to be euthanized because it is now labeled a nuisance.

Do not pet, chase or corner wild animals. I should not even have to say this, but again, I have seen evidence that it needs to be said, loudly, over and over again. In Montana it always amazed me the people who were mauled by buffalo each year because they got out of their vehicle and walked right up to the beast so they could feed it or pet it. Don’t, just don’t.

If you see an animal that is sick or aggressive, report it. There are a variety of diseases that wild animals can carry, rabies being among them. Some diseases can wipe out the entire population of wildlife in the area so if you see something and report it you just may play a part in keeping ahead of an illness and saving the animals there.

Keep your campsite clean. In other words, don’t do things that will attract animals to your campsite. Yes, animals like raccoons are very curious and they will explore no matter what is lying out. But if you have things lying around that just gives them more to check out. It keeps the campsite neater, is healthier for the animals, and discourages them from venturing onto your campsite. If you are in a tent, keep your food locked in your car in plastic containers. Don’t leave it in your tent. You may wake in the middle of the night to find a most unwelcome visitor in your sleeping bag.

Keep your pets leashed. Some wild animals may not be so quick to forgive a curious canine. Let your dog’s explorations extend as far as the end of the leash. You need to maintain control of the situation at all times and you want to avoid allowing your dog to chase an animal. That is how dogs get hurt. It isn’t worth the risk.
Wildlife is great to look at, but it isn’t so great when the animals are too familiar. We had to take steps to keep the animals out of our things and prevent them from rummaging around in our grill and other items. Yet we still have squirrels eating their acorns on the bottom step of our front door.

Have you ever had an interesting encounter with wildlife at your campsite (your inebriated neighbors don’t count)? We’d love to hear about it so share in the comments below!