Wildlife

Black Bear Cub

Bears

Bears are a unique and natural part of the Philmont environment. Like all wild animals, they must be treated with respect. The black bear is not normally aggressive, and most crews will not even see one.

Anything with an odor (except the human scent) may attract bears. It does not matter if the odor is food-related. Any odor may generate curiosity in a bear, which may result in a closer examination of that odor.

At Philmont, all items with a smell (smellables) are placed in a bear bag at night. It would be useful for each member of the crew to have their own ditty bag with their personal smellables in it to put in the bear bag. A few of these items are food, soaps, toothbrushes and toothpaste, lip balm, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, unused film cartridges, and first aid kits.

Good Scout camping practices are the best way to avoid contact with the bears. Avoid carelessness that results in improperly disposed food. Burn or store all uneaten food in a bear bag. Do not put uneaten food in a latrine. Cook close to the fire ring and away from the sleeping area. Clean up only at the sump. Never eat food in a tent; the odor remains after the food is gone. Tents must be used only for sleeping.

Human scent does not attract bears. The superficial application of scented lotions, soaps, deodorants, shampoo, or spilled food may, however, attract the attention of bears. Washing the body with various products should be done before mid-afternoon so that the residual smells have dissipated before night. Avoid perfumed products with strong odors. Any clothing on which food has been spilled must be placed away from the sleeping area at night.

If a bear does visit your campsite, stay away from it and make noise. Protect your food by hanging it from a cable erected by Philmont for that purpose. Crews that stop for a program or a conservation project should leave one or two persons with the packs at all times. Crews hiking into the Valle Vidal area off Philmont will need an extra rope for hanging bear bags. In Philmont camps the weight of the rope alone is sufficient to carry it over the cable. In the Valle Vidal, where there are no cables, crews will be instructed to put several handfuls of dirt in a bandanna, tie the corners and attach it to the bear rope for a weight. Never risk injury by attempting to protect your food or equipment from a bear.

When you arrive at Philmont, your ranger will thoroughly train you on those camping practices that are most effective in keeping wildlife away from your camp.

Chipmunk

Rodents

Rabies and bubonic plague are transmitted by rabbits, bats, ground squirrels, chipmunks, and other rodents. Do not handle or feed any animals.

Rattlesnakes

Some parts of Philmont are inhabited by prairie rattlesnakes. They generally live at elevations below 8,000 feet. Prairie rattlers are not aggressive unless provoked, and usually sound a warning rattle before striking. If you see one, give it a respectful distance. Rattlesnakes are beneficial in controlling rodent population. Do not try to kill one yourself; report it to the nearest staff member. Rattlesnake bites are rare at Philmont.

Repel Mosquitoes and Bees

During wet periods, mosquitoes take a new lease on life, and they love to feast on young blood. They are also potential carriers of the West Nile virus. Insect repellent is recommended for the trail. Repellents with DEET seem to be the most effective. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants in the evening is another good precaution. There are bees and wasps at Philmont. If you are allergic to stings, be sure you have antitoxin and that a crew member is informed of your condition and the treatment you may require.