Summarize the following:
. Don't wear headphones or look down at your phone screen when you're walking through the forest. Keep your head up and pay attention to what's going on around you. You're less likely to startle a wild animal if you notice them from a distance first. If you see tracks, be on alert for nearby animals. If the tracks are heading in the same direction you're walking in, change directions or turn back. Never approach wild animals or attempt to feed them. If you encounter an animal, appreciate from a distance that you're getting to see them in their natural environment. Most wild animals are just as afraid of humans as you are of them, and they won't attack unless provoked. Don't scream or make high-pitched noises. Avoid running away or you could trigger the animal to chase you. Calmly back away from the animal until it's out of sight. Never approach a baby animal in the wild, even if it appears to be alone. The baby animal’s mother is likely nearby. Wild animals are more likely to attack if they perceive you as a threat to their babies. If you're really worried about a baby animal, leave the area and contact a park ranger or local official. . Never feed animals in the wild. Don’t litter food scraps in the forest or you could attract wild animals. If you eat something while you’re camping or hiking, pack any food scraps or trash in your backpack and carry it with you. You can also put food waste in a trash bag and tie the bag to a high tree branch. Look for trail markers so you don't accidentally wander off the trail. Wild animals are less likely to be on trails because of all the foot traffic. Watch out for fire ants and bee hives. Avoid swimming in areas with alligators. Know what to do if an elephant charges at you in the forest. Staying alert and being prepared will keep you safe in most encounters with wild forest animals.
Be aware of your surroundings Keep an eye out for animal tracks. Keep your distance if you see an animal. Remain calm if an animal notices you. Don’t bother baby animals. Keep your food away from wild animals Stay on the trail when you're hiking. Be mindful of other dangerous animals.