Camping Safety Tips

We want your experience on the Chattahoochee National Forests to be a safe one. Please remember to be careful! You are primarily responsible for your own safety. Look out for natural hazards and dangers when you are in the forest. If you hike off trails or swim or dive in streams or lakes, you do so at YOUR OWN RISK. Listed below are a few questions and answers that may be helpful while you are visiting the Chattahoochee National Forest.

IS MY CAR SAFE?

As peaceful as the forest may seem, a few visitors may experience auto break-ins. To prevent break-ins:
Lock your car. As simple as this seems, many people still forget. Don't leave your travel plans on the windshield of your car. Thieves use this "window of opportunity" to break in, since they know you may not be nearby. Leave your plans with the district office or someone at home. Include what trails you plan to hike and an estimate of your return time. Don't leave valuables inside your car. If you must leave valuables, hide them from view or lock them in the trunk. Empty the glove compartment and leave it open to show that nothing is inside. Don't park your car with the trunk backed toward the woods. This provides cover for someone trying to break into your trunk. If your car has been vandalized, contact local law enforcement officials.

CAN I BRING MY DOG?

ON THE TRAIL If you bring your dog hiking, keep it under verbal or physical restraint at all times. The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is a multiple-use forest, which means you and your dog may meet horseback riders, mountain bikers, and four-wheelers on the trail. Use a leash in crowded areas. Hiking is hard work for a dog, especially if it's not used to long hikes in hot weather. Watch your dog for signs of stress and fatigue, and give it plenty water and rest.
IN THE CAMPGROUNDS, dogs must be on a leash and under control. Tie your dog up in a shady spot and give it lots of attention to minimize barking.

ARE THERE SNAKES?

There are several poisonous snakes which you should look out for while in the Chattahoochee National Forest, rattlesnakes and copperheads. By observing a few precautions and leaving the snakes alone, you can avoid an unfortunate encounter.

• Never reach under or sit on top of rocks or logs without looking first. These areas are usually a snake's favorite spots to lie.
• Also be careful walking in tall grass where you cannot see your feet, because snakes like to lie in the hot grass in the sun and wait for prey.
• Leave snakes alone--do not attempt to capture or kill them. Snakes are rarely interested in harming humans, and they serve a purpose in the forest ecosystem. Observe them from a safe distance and appreciate the beauty of a natural predator in the wild.

Southern Copperhead

WHAT IS POISON IVY?

Poison ivy has three leaves and is a plant but may also climb like a vine. Remember...If It Has Leaves of Three, Leave It Be!

DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS!

As fascinating as wild animals are, they are unpredictable and can be dangerous. If you see a wild animal of any kind, you should avoid direct interaction with it. The following tips come from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the USDA Forest Service. They are written specifically regarding black bears, but are also pertinent to other wildlife too. Following them will help protect you from a potentially unpleasant experience as well as protecting the wildlife. 

Here in the North Georgia Mountains, we have a growing, healthy bear population and it is important that you store your food and dispose of your trash properly, as well as never, ever, feed the wildlife. Why? One person feeding bears either intentionally or unintentionally can create a problem or nuisance bear for you or other visitors. Fed bears cease to look for food in the wild and will seek out human related food items, including leftover garbage. As a result, these garbage bears associate food with humans and become nuisance bears that may have to be removed or put to death. This applies to all wild animals. The good news is that we can prevent most problems by just doing the following while camping or visiting Forest Service Properties:

• Secure all food, toothpaste, soap and trash at night or when not in use by:

a. Storing items inside a vehicle.
b. Using bear proof storage systems when available.

2. Do NOT cook or store food in or near your tent. Odors attract bears.

If your see a bear, make sure it is aware of your presence by yelling or making noises - this should frighten the bear and encourage it to leave.
PROHIBITED ON NATIONAL FOREST LANDS:

• Placing, leaving, or depositing any food, bait or refuse in a manner likely to attract or concentrate any wildlife, whether for hunting or viewing animals.
• Failure to properly store food or refuse to prevent access by wildlife.