The most dangerous animals in the CDT

W.hen a trail stretches 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada across some of the wildest and most rugged landscapes in North America, hikers shouldn’t be surprised to find some potentially dangerous animals living along the way.

While actual encounters are rare, knowing what you might be facing and how to best respond can make the difference between a fun, memorable story and a serious problem. A hiker’s safety does not depend on the lack of wildlife in the backcountry, but on the ability to coexist with it respectfully.

Bears: both black and grizzly

Brown and black bears are the most iconic (and often most feared) animals in the CDT. The biggest risk bears pose to hikers is not direct aggression, but rather surprise encounters or mishandling of food.

Following bear-safe practices is crucial to keeping conflicts rare. This includes carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it, making noise in dense brush or low-visibility areas to avoid spooking a bear, and properly storing all food and scented items. Using a bear canister or approved bear bag hung from a tree branch is essential to prevent bears from associating hikers with a food source.

Grizzly bears inhabit the northern reaches of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, primarily within the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide ecosystems. These states are also the only states in the contiguous United States where grizzly bears live, making the CDT the only one of the Triple Crown trails that passes through grizzly territory.

Black bears, which are generally smaller and less aggressive, are found along the entire trail corridor.

What to do in an encounter with a bear

While the initial steps for handling an encounter with both types of bears are the same (stay calm, don’t run, and back away slowly), the appropriate response to a physical attack differs depending on the bear’s possible motivation. A grizzly bear’s attack is almost always defensive, provoked by a threat to its cubs or a food source. In this case, your best strategy is to not appear threatening: you should lie face down and play dead.

Grizzly bear in Yellowstone National Park. Photo: Oregon State University

In contrast, a black bear attack is more likely to be predatory. Black bears are generally shyer; In the event that one actually attacks, it could mean that the bear sees you as a potential meal. For this reason, you should never play dead during a black bear attack; Instead, your best chance of survival is to defend yourself with all your might.

Knowing the physical differences between the species, such as the brown bear’s prominent shoulder hump and saucer-shaped face, can help you make a decision in the future. vastly unlikely case of a bear attack.

mountain lions

Cougars, or cougars, roam much of the CDT corridor and prefer rocky, wooded or chaparral landscapes where they can stalk their prey without being seen. They are elusive and secretive animals, and their sightings are rare.

While attacks are extremely rare, they have occurred in the Rocky Mountains. A hiker who encounters a mountain lion should avoid running, as this may trigger the cat’s predatory instinct. Instead, you should maintain eye contact, appear as big as possible by raising your arms and opening your jacket, and speak loudly and firmly.

Do not turn your back on the animal. If they approach, throw stones or sticks and defend yourself if they attack you.

Just because you can’t see one doesn’t mean it’s not there. As the saying goes, «you may not have seen a cougar while you were hiking, but a cougar has definitely seen you.» Can you see the lion in this photo? Photo through

Moose

In the Rocky Mountains, moose injure more people than bears. In the CDT, they are common in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana, particularly in wetland areas and at higher elevations.

A moose may attack if it feels cornered, scared, or if hikers get too close, especially during the spring calving season or fall rut. Unlike bears, a moose that feels threatened often indicates its aggression by pulling its ears back, raising the hair on its hump, and stomping the ground.

The safest course is to give them a wide berth and back off calmly. Never get between a cow and her calf. A charging or chasing moose is not trying to kill you for food; you are trying to neutralize a perceived threat.

Moose are incredibly fast and can easily outrun a human, so stay calm and if you are too close, back away slowly and calmly. If you can, get behind a large object like a tree, car, or rock.

Two moose near Mount Bierstadt in Colorado. Photo through

rattlesnakes

Especially in New Mexico and Wyoming, CDT hikers may encounter rattlesnakes, including western and prairie rattlesnakes. Most rattlesnake bites occur when people accidentally get too close or try to handle them.

Hikers can stay safe by watching their steps, especially near rocks, fallen logs, and thick brush, and listening for the distinctive sound of the rattlesnake. If a rattlesnake makes a warning buzzing sound, it indicates that you are too close. Give him space and back away.

If a sting occurs, stay calm and call for help or activate the SOS button immediately. Do not try to suction out the venom, apply a tourniquet, or cut the wound, as these actions can cause more damage.

Bison

In Wyoming’s Wind River Range and especially Yellowstone National Park, hikers can find bison in the wild. Despite their seemingly calm and slow appearance, bison can be incredibly dangerous. They can run at speeds of up to 35 mph and bleed or trample people who get too close.

Rule number one is to stay at least 25 meters away. Bison can be unpredictable, especially if they have calves, and what seems like a safe distance may not be. Never try to pet, feed, or take a selfie with a bison.

Photo: Tom Fournier

Smaller threats: insects and rodents

Not all dangers are great. Mosquitoes, ticks, and rodents can transmit diseases or contaminate food supplies.

Mosquitoes, especially in swampy areas, can be a constant nuisance and transmit diseases. While the risk of Lyme disease is lower in the CDT states compared to the East, tick-borne diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia do exist. It may be helpful to have insect repellent and netting on hand and to wear pants and long sleeves, especially if treated with permethrin.

Rodents like mice and squirrels can transmit those same ticks, as well as diseases like hantavirus, so it’s important to store all foods and scented items safely in a sealed bag or container to avoid attracting them.

A bear can protects your food from bears and also protects it from rodents and other critters. Photo through

Humans

While most of your fellow hikers on the CDT will be friendly and part of a supportive community, it’s important to remember that people-related safety concerns may arise. Unlike wildlife, a negative human encounter is usually the result of intention. While rare, thefts or other incidents can occur, particularly at trailheads, road junctions, or in nearby towns.

Always trust your instincts. If a person or situation makes you uncomfortable, take steps to create distance and ensure your safety. It is also good practice to share your itinerary with a friend or family member and refer to it periodically.

Walking with a group is another way to stay safer if you are nervous about dangerous encounters with other humans. Photo through

The CDT runs through prime wildlife habitat, and that’s part of its appeal. Most CDT “dangerous” animals prefer to avoid people and serious incidents are rare. Respecting their space, practicing good food hygiene, and knowing how to respond if you encounter them are the keys to staying safe.

For hikers, the real risk is often underestimating the power of these animals or forgetting that on the CDT you are their home visitor.

Cover image: Graphic design by Chris Helm