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RESPECT WILDLIFE

Keep your distance and avoid loud noises or sudden movements. Bears
are an exception to the noise guidance though. When travelling in bear
country it is best to make a little noise when hiking so that you don’t
startle bears. Also, do not feed wildlife of any variety. Human food is
unnatural to wild animals and may cause them distress. Feeding them
also habituates them to human food and can cause them to seek it out
in the future. This has caused numerous bears and other wildlife to
be euthanized due to becoming nuisances in established campgrounds.

BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORS
Many people, me included, come to the outdoors to enjoy the sounds
of nature. I didn’t go into the wilderness to listen to your music. If you
really can’t go without it, there are earbuds for that. I also didn’t go
out into the wilderness to deal with your uncontrolled pet. That said,
I love hiking with my dog. And she loves the wilderness! Control over
your furry friend is key though. Uncontrolled, they can get both you
and them in trouble with wildlife.

Do your part to keep the backcountry a fun place for all who chose to
visit it! For further reading and clarification please visit www.Int.org.

Bryant Helgeland is the owner/operator of Mountain Provisions, on the Plaza in Ashland. Active in several outdoor sports (Telemark skiing, XC Skiing, Road and Mountain biking, Hiking,
Backpacking, Kayaking), he has been a seminar speaker on many of those activities. He attended a NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) semester trip to Chile shortly after college.
During high school he was a counselor at YMCA outdoor camps. Contact him at bryant@ashlandmountainprovisions.com or the store’s Facebook page.

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