Hiking the Appalachian Trail? You May Encounter These Animals

The Appalachian Trail spans 2,194 miles across 14 states along the East Coast of the U.S. Most experienced hikers begin their trek at Springer Mountain, Georgia, and end it on Mount Katahdin in Maine six months later. It’s considered one of the most remarkable hiking feats in America and is also the longest in the country. During the six months hikers spend on the trail, they learn about life, survival, and nature, with plenty of memorable wildlife experiences. Throughout each section of the AT, you’ll find animals specific to that state’s habitat or terrain. It’s not a matter of if you’ll run into one of these species, but when. Here’s what hikers typically encounter as they begin their journey.

Mammals: Black Bears, Big Cats, Rodents, Canines

Hikers are more likely to encounter mammals than any other type of animal on the AT. Black bears are found in 37 U.S. states, and they’re found in the majority of the trail’s forested sections. They typically don’t bother hikers and are naturally skittish. Make loud noises and raise your arms; a black bear should then run off. The best practice for thru-hikers includes:

• Always use a bear bag to store food, drinks, and any garbage or food waste.

• Carry a bear bell or whistle to warn bears that you’re passing through.

• Avoid setting up camp right outside your cooking station.

Bears have an exceptional sense of smell, which is what attracts them to campsites. An increasing number of bears are associating food with humans, leading to more frequent human-bear encounters in recent years. If you encounter a bear, make yourself appear larger and more intimidating to scare it away. Make loud noises and raise your arms; a black bear should then run off.

Big Cats

More infrequently sighted are the big cats of the AT. These animals are fairly elusive and tend to stay away from humans. However, that doesn’t mean a thru-hiker won’t accidentally cross paths with one. The big cat species that inhabit the regions surrounding the AT include:

• Canada Lynx: This cat is native to the northern regions of the AT, including Vermont and Maine.

• Bobcat: Bobcats are the most commonly seen cat on the AT, and are found in every eastern seaboard state.

The best practice for big cats differs from that for bears, as they’re a more aggressive species:

1. Raise your arms and make noise to appear larger. You can use trekking poles, stand shoulder-to-shoulder with others, or stand on your tippy-toes to look bigger.

2. Back away slowly, as running triggers a predatory instinct in big cats.

3. Maintain eye contact throughout and speak firmly and loudly to announce your presence.

4. If this doesn’t work, throw whatever you have available at the cat to make yourself seem undesirable.

If this fails, Western Wildlife Outreach recommends fighting back if the cat attacks by being “aggressive and staying on your feet.” This is the worst-case scenario, and big cat attacks, especially on the AT, are rare. For added safety, consider carrying pepper spray or bear spray, which can often be an effective deterrent.

Canines

Coyotes and foxes are the primary wild canines currently found along the AT, and are present in nearly every state the trail passes through, though they are rarely seen. Similar to black bears, coyotes tend to avoid humans. They’re easily scared off and may follow a hiker with food, but typically won’t get close enough for you to notice them. If a coyote gets too close, making loud noises (i.e., banging pots and pans together) usually scares them away. Thru-hikers are more likely to hear coyotes than see them while hiking the AT.

Foxes are not uncommon along the trail, but they are elusive animals. Thru-hikers are most likely to see them at dawn or dusk when they’re foraging or hunting. They sometimes appear during the day, but hikers should exercise caution in case a fox is rabid. Just like any other wildlife, it’s best to keep your distance. The most commonly seen foxes on the AT are the red fox and gray fox. Gray foxes are rarer than red foxes and are far better at climbing trees than their red-haired cousins. Therefore, you’re more likely to see a red fox while hiking, although they tend to steer clear of humans.

Rodents

Thru-hikers will undoubtedly encounter mice somewhere along their trek. Mice are commonly found at lean-tos, campsites, and in trail shelters. Since they’re scavengers, they often go where the food is. Anything left behind–even crumbs–is fair game for a rodent. Unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid them, as encountering rodents is a common part of camping outdoors. The most common rodent species living along the AT are:

• White-footed mouse

• Deer mouse

• Wood rats

While they generally avoid humans, it’s essential to check for droppings at shelters. Avoid kicking up dust in these areas, seal all food, and treat water to avoid contamination.

Snakes

Snakes are prevalent throughout the Appalachian Trail region. Garter snakes exist in all 14 states the trail crosses and are, thankfully, harmless to humans. These are small snakes, characterized by their green, brown, and sometimes red scales. You can distinguish garter snakes from venomous snakes by their eye shape: garter snakes have round pupils, while venomous snakes have slitted pupils. More often than not, garter snakes will flee when encountered. They’re not attracted to humans or human food, so they’re not a cause for concern.

However, two venomous snakes exist along the AT: copperheads and rattlesnakes. Copperheads are found along much of the trail, from Georgia to Massachusetts, and are most common in the southern and central sections of the Appalachian Trail. They have triangular heads with slitted pupils and wide bodies. While encounters are rare, it’s important to check under rocks, in crevices, and around shelters before settling in for the night. Copperheads are more active at night in hot weather, which is something to be aware of while camping.

Timber rattlesnakes can be found along much of the trail, but are rarely seen as far north as Vermont and Maine. These sightings are even rarer,  but timber rattlesnakes have a built-in alarm system: their rattle. Pay close attention to rattling sounds when walking around rocky areas and outcroppings. In the fall, be sure to avoid leaf piles and exercise caution when stepping.

According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, snake bites are rare but not impossible. If you find a snake on the trail, back away slowly and give it a wide berth. The most important thing is to provide an escape route for the snake so it does not feel threatened. Continue on the trail once you’re a safe distance from the snake, and do not try to move it, intimidate it, or get closer.

Being Aware Of Rabies

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has had reports of rabies in animals along the AT. Animals that carry this disease include raccoons, foxes, skunks, and even bats. Being educated before hiking is the best defense against rabid animals. The signs of rabies in an infected animal include:

• Seemingly friendly nature (unusual tameness)

• Severe aggression (growling, hissing)

• Drooling, foaming at the mouth

• Twitching, restlessness, jerky movements

• Unusual vocalizations

If you see an animal exhibiting these signs, get as far away from the infected animal as possible. Note the area where you saw the infected animal and contact local authorities, such as park management or animal control. Hiker safety is a priority when it comes to animals with rabies, even if it means doubling back on the trail. If you see other hikers approaching, be sure to warn them of the danger as well. In short, most animals along the AT are not overtly dangerous and are more likely to flee than confront a hiker. They’re often more fearful of you than you are of them. If you encounter wildlife, the same rule applies: Keep your distance, give it space, and don’t intrude on its habitat.

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