Camping With Wildlife
Our camps are home to a variety of animals native to the Midwest Region. These include but are not limited to bats, bears, beavers, deer, deer ticks, mice, mosquitoes, racoons, turkeys and wood ticks. Becoming educated with a few precautions is an essential key to coexisting in the wilderness with our wildlife friends, they can become a nuisance to your stay. If you feel threatened by any wildlife, please do not hesitate to notify a Camp Director or Ranger to ensure you have a safe stay.
CAMPSITE SANITATION
It's essential that campsites and their surrounding areas be kept clean and scent free.
- Food: All food, including snacks from home must be stored in a scent-proof container or the trunk of a car. No food should be eaten in the tent.. Empty snack wrappers, food boxes, juice boxes, soda cans, or even water bottles that have had flavored drinks mixed in them leave a scent, as do spills and these are appealing to the critters. If your unit is going to bring food to cook in the campsite, the cooking preparation and dining areas should be as far as possible from the sleeping tents.
- Clean Up: Dishes should be done immediately following completion of the meal. Leftovers should be properly disposed of or stored as food in the manner described above. All tables used in food preparation and eating must be washed. Food spilled on the ground must be picked up. Liquid food spills must be cleaned up by removing the soil that is contaminated with the spill.
- Garbage: Garbage containing food should not remain in a campsite. Garbage should be properly bagged and disposed of in the provided cans. Make sure that any leakage from your garbage bag is properly cleaned up as well.
PERSONAL HYGEINE
Spending time outdoors during the summer can get a bit buggy.
- Dress appropriately! Wear lighter colors, loose clothing, and long sleeves if possible.
- Wear a hat to protect your head and face.
- Avoid wearing perfume or strongly scented products!
- Keep cool - sweat attracts bugs!
- Be aware! Always complete a tick check after you've been outdoors. Regular showers will also help with early detection.
- Wear a good quality insect repellent. The most effective repellent to combat ticks is one that contains 30% Deet (or permethrin).7.>A camp staff member or Ranger will be able to assist you with any additional questions.
BATS ARE A DIFFERENT BEAST
Most people who have been bitten by a bat report a stinging or needle prick sensation. However, bat bites may not be noticed, especially if someone is asleep, and bat bites may leave little or no evidence of a wound or puncture. Therefore, if there is any chance that there was physical contact with a bat, the bat should be tested for rabies. If the bat is not available for testing, then rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be administered.