A Quick Guide to Backcountry Human Waste Disposal Everybody Does It
TOILETS
You've arrived at the trailhead and feel great. You have water, sunscreen, snacks, and a map of the area. There's a pit toilet available for use. You grab your hand sanitizer and walk right in (maybe holding your breath). The deed is done, and you are ready to enjoy the day! Check the pull out map for restroom locations.
Always use established toilets when available!
BAG
You're well into your day's journey. Maybe you're hiking up at American Basin, when you feel that dreaded sensation in your stomach. But you remembered your trusty poop bag, specially made for situations like this. You do the doo in the bag, wrap it up, zip it up, and toss it in your pack. After use, you can dispose of the bag in a regular trash can.
Bags for human waste are available at the Visitor Center and local stores!
ALPINE ENVIRONMENTS
The alpine ecosystems surrounding much of Lake City lack the soil microorganisms necessary to quickly biodegrade human waste.
BAG IT AND PACK IT!
SCOOP THAT POOP!
Pet waste is also a source of E. coli and other unwanted pathogens and parasites! Pick up pet waste in your yard and always carry bags on walks!
TOILET PAPER
CAT HOLE
feet away from water, cliff, and camp and dig a hole 8" deep by 4" wide. You carry a spade for just such occasions. You do the deed, wipe with a small amount of TP (or natural it, and done! You return to your campsite victorious and ready to enjoy the sunset.
Only dig cat holes in sub-alpine and forest environments!
Use only plain, white, non-perfumed toilet paper, use it sparingly, and pack it out if you didn't dig a cat hole.
TOILET PAPER SHOULD NEVER BE BURNED!
PERIOD PRODUCTS
Carry a period-kit for your adventures. Pack out any pads, tampons, or other products you bring. Menstrual cups, period underwear, and applicator-free tampons are great options for reducing waste on the trail.
BearWise Vacation Tips
When you’re in bear country, there’s a good chance you’ll see bears, even if you never go into the woods.
Don’t Feed the Bears
Don’t leave food, trash or pet food outdoors when no one is around. A few seconds is all it takes for a hungry bear to swipe it.
Feeding bears or using food to encourage bears to approach you is often illegal and always dangerous. Don’t throw scraps or leftovers out the car window or into the woods behind your vacation rental.
If trash container or dumpster is full, don’t pile trash outside; take it with you when you leave.
Bear Viewing Guidelines
Dogs and bears don’t mix. Keep your dog on a leash at all times when outdoors
Letting your dog approach or lunge at a bear puts you and your pet in danger.
Discourage Break-Ins
Stay in your vehicle; even bears that seem comfortable around people are still wild animals. Never approach bears or entice them to approach you. Enjoy bears from a safe distance. Stay at least 50 yards or 10 car lengths away from black bears.
Don’t block the road to view bears. If permitted, pull over and take photos from the safety of your vehicle. If you want to see bears, early morning and early evening are good times for viewing and photography.
Driving in Bear Country
Stay alert, stick to the speed limit and scan the roadsides. If a bear crosses the road, watch for cubs before you drive on.
Be especially alert at dawn and dusk when bears are most active; black bears are fast and hard to see.
If you hit a bear, don’t try to help it. Call 911 or report to authorities as soon as you can.
Wildlife collisions are not always covered by insurance.
If You See a Black Bear
Lock vehicles; don’t leave windows open even a crack. Remove anything with an odor (food, drinks, trash, pet food, scented products). Keep exterior doors closed, even when you’re there. Don’t stash food, beverages, trash or recycling on porches/patios/decks.
If a bear comes around your place, try to scare it away by making lots of noise yelling or banging pots and pans together from a safe distance.
If you see a bear near a dumpster or in a building, don’t approach or corner it. Give the bear an escape route.
In the Woods
Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
If you see a bear before it notices you, don’t approach. Stand still, enjoy, then quietly move away.
If a bear sees you, back away slowly. Never run; running may trigger a chase response.
If a bear approaches, hold your ground, wave your arms and yell “Hey Bear” until it leaves. Always stay with your group. If it keeps approaching, use bear spray.
If a black bear makes contact with you, do NOT play
Black bear is a species; common colors include black, brown and cinnamon.
© Evelyn Kirkaldy
