Black Bears
Bears have become more active around Long Trail campsites and trails in the last few years. In areas with posted bear warnings, please follow a few basic steps:
- Keep dogs leashed.
- Do not feed or approach bears.
- If you encounter a bear, make noise and back away slowly. Do not run.
- Pack out all garbage/food scraps.
- If primitive camping, prepare food and hang bear-bags at least 100ft from campsite.
- If staying at a designated overnight site, follow all food-storage procedures. If a bear box is provided, store all food and trash in bear box.
- BEAR BOXES: There are now bear boxes at Goddard Shelter, Kid Gore Shelter, Story Spring Shelter, Montclair Glen Lodge, Bamforth Ridge Shelter, and Hump Brook Tenting Area. Please store all food, garbage, and scented items in the boxes. Remove all items when you leave and do not leave trash in the boxes. Please cook and eat at designated picnic tables, NOT in shelter/tenting area. Report any bear encounters to the GMC.
Moose
Moose tracks and droppings can be seen throughout the trail. While moose look similar to deer, they can be extremely dangerous when irritated. If you see a moose on the trail, do not approach it. Wait for the moose to move on before continuing. They are particularly territorial in the fall during mating season. Their eyesight is very bad so the recommended strategy if a moose charges you is to try to put a large tree between you and the moose, remove your pack, and make human noises.
Peregrine Falcons
Peregrines have been making a strong comeback in Vermont. They nest in many locations on or near the Long Trail, such as Smugglers’ Notch and Mount Horrid. Falcons are easily disturbed by hikers above their cliffside nests, so during the nesting season, from mid-March to mid-August, hikers may encounter closed portions of the Long Trail or side trails. Please help by staying away from those areas until the young falcons have fledged.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is very present in Vermont. Check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks after every hike. Wearing long sleeves/pants can help keep ticks off you.
Rabies
Rabies is present in Vermont. Hang food, carry out food waste and trash, refrain from feeding animals, and stay away from any wild animal that is acting strangely. Leave dead animals alone. If you are bitten, wash your wound well with soap and water and seek medical help immediately.
A great resource for the curious hiker is GMC’s Nature Guide to Vermont’s Long Trail. It introduces readers to the natural communities of the Long Trail and then journeys the length of the trail to point out its fascinating natural features, as well as the plants and animals encountered along the way.
