Campfires as Protection

SweetSassyLady · 02-18-2011, 05:28 PM

Have you ever been in a situation where the campfire helped to protect you from wild animals. I didn't think we ever would be in that type of situation but we went camping in the West and it really worked.

We were camping after a day of walking and were in the forest. We had built a fire and were planning to sleep around it as the night was quite cool. We hadn't thought about animals but shortly after we went to sleep, we heard a lot of footfalls even though they were soft ones. I looked across the campfire and there were a pack of wolves looking back. There were a LOT of glowing eyes looking at us in the dark. Believe me, neither my husband or I slept the rest of the night. We kept the campfire stoked and hiked back to our vehicle. It was a scary reminder that when you are in the wild, you may just be prey for something stronger, bigger or faster than you.

Refrigerator · 02-18-2011, 05:50 PM

Thanks for sharing that with us. I have built fires for protection from Wolves in Alaska..I don't really know if it helped but it sure did give me some security even if it was all in my mind.

CatsEye · 02-18-2011, 07:37 PM

I had never thought of something like that. I will keep that in mind if we camp in their territory. I understand that wolves are making a comeback in some areas. I'm sure some of them are used to men too which makes them more dangerous.

OpenAir · 02-19-2011, 12:12 PM

So this works? I wouldn't want to trust my safety entirely to a fire. That said I'm not sure what I would trust other than a loaded rifle at my side.

ChadTower · 02-21-2011, 10:29 AM

If you're really in a pack predator's territory you need multiple protections. The fire may not work exclusively. You can't shoot 6 moving animals with a standard rifle or handgun. Multiple layers are the way to go.

FastTrack · 02-21-2011, 01:34 PM

What would you suggest in all then ChadTower? And if you do find yourself unexpectedly in this situation, how do you go about extracting yourself from the area if needs be (or is it safer to wait till daybreak)?

ChadTower · 02-21-2011, 01:46 PM

I can't say I have ever been surrounded by pack hunters like that. Sounds like it's all in this thread, really. If you're that afraid of the wolves it might be a good idea to go someplace else. If you must, though, and consider it a real danger, I'd probably do this:

1) barrier around the campsite. Sharp bushes, boughs with sharp branches, etc.
2) larger fire than required. Fire is a visual deterrent.
3) One or two of: Gun/bear spray/multipointed spear made from hardwood/knife

And if all that doesn't work and they still come to visit:

4) A clean change of underpants.

The main point is that one level of protection isn't going to be enough every time. If they have to go through the sharp sticks, past the fire, and then get past your weapon, odds are they'll choose to move on.

outdoorsy · 02-21-2011, 06:32 PM

Chadtower that was pretty impressive and a bit funny too. To answer this question, no I have not built a fire to protect myself (ok protect myself and family from freezing yes). We have fires to keep warm and to cook on. I guess they would deter animals too.

Refrigerator · 02-21-2011, 06:59 PM

A fire has a big impact on you period. It also has an impact mentally on any living thing on this planet period.

IndianaHiker · 02-21-2011, 10:01 PM

If I am backpacking solo I almost never have a fire at all. I cook with a stove and I stay much warmer in my sleeping bag than I do sitting in front of a fire. IF out with friends then we generally have a fire just to sit around and chat. However that is not always the case if we have hike lats of miles and just want to eat dinner and call it a night. IF in the times that we do have a fire no one keeps it going all night and it is put out before we all go to sleep. Neither myself or anyone that I go out with have been chomped on by a hungry animal.

Not only do I not rely on a fire but neither do I carry a firearm. To this i say hike you own hike but I have never felt the need to carry one. If you are uncomfortable and don't mind the extra weight then carry. However be responsible with it many are not and thus they are more dangerous than anything out there. Yes I have spent multiple night in areas where there are Bears and large cats, not to mention coyotes and other critters. The best defense is to not have a camp that will entice the animals into it to begin with. This means cooking away from camp. Use bear containers or hang food and smell-ables in a bear bag away from camp. Never sleep in cloths that you have been eating in. In fact you should have a separate set just for sleeping. Just follow some basic common sense precautions and you really have very little to worry about.