Animals chewing you while sleeping?

[Rosie]

So I know that in urban areas sometimes rats will chew on people while they are sleeping. Does this happen in the out doors too? When I camp I always stay in a tent. I'm afraid to sleep under the stars because I don't want to get chewed on in the night. Is this a real concern or am I just a little wacky?

[oldsarge]

Never had an issue with rats, But I know several folks who have had these on them.

Vampire bat - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[dinosaur]

Never been chewed on while sleeping under the stars. I did, however, awake to a coon trying to gain access to my cooler. I sat up and asked: "Looking for some food there, brother?". He just looked at me. So I got up, went to the cooler and got him a chunk of venison sausage and a few slices of bread. I flipped this over to him and said: "Here. Go make yourself a sandwich.". Then I went back to bed.

[Lamebeaver]

Originally Posted by Rosie

Is this a real concern or am I just a little wacky?

If you're concerned about it, it's real, and I won't trivialize your fear.

The real question is "is this comething I should be concerned about?"

The short answer is "probably not".

I suppose a snake could crawl into your sleeping bag seeking warmth, but I don't know anyone who's experienced this, and I belive it is extremely rare. You should probably be more concerned about a tree falling on you, and an tent won't help much against this.

There are other alternatives. A bivvy sack would be the easiest. Another would be a tarp with mosquito netting, or a hammock.

[Pathfinder1]

I usually don't trek very far,
when animals eating me are.


Hi...


No critters have eaten me yet.

Once, while camped out in Alpine Arctic during the summer, I had my sandals nibbled on, while I was wearing them...!! Fearless little critters. Nothing would frighten them. I forget if they were picas or voles, but they sure were brave (or stupid).

[catspa]

P1, all the animals are passing you by, waiting for a sweeter specimen to come their way. Even animals have their standards. Pretty girl like Rosie has a lot more to worry about than you or me.

Parker

[SunnyDay]

Rats chewing is a real problem in some places but I have never heard of it happening in the great outdoors. I think it's more of a city problem where the rat population is heavily concentrated.

[Grandpa]

I've been chewed on too many times, mostly by mosquitos and never by any mammal. But I'll take the tent as well thank you.

[ppine]

Rosie,

You are worrying about the wrong stuff.

This may be an expression of the general fear some people have when they are away from civilization. Most of us feel safer in the backcountry.

[Judy Ann]

I've heard that food should be hung not only from bears but from rodents too. I'm not sure how to sleep in a shelter on the AT with those little critters around. I prefer to chose my bedpartners!