Adventure on the Appalachian Trail: Respecting Wildlife and Staying Safe on the AT

This blog was written by Communications summer intern, Lucia Krekorian

The Appalachian Trail or AT is a 2,190-mile haven of biodiversity stretching from Georgia to Maine. As hikers traverse this iconic path, they can experience a diverse spectrum of wildlife.  The AT offers a year-round spectacle of nature's wonders, but many choose to hike during the spring and summer months for the best weather and conditions. Regardless of the time of year, however, immersing yourself into the beauty of the trail requires responsibility, both for the safety of hikers and the well-being of the AT’s wild inhabitants.

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Fedja Mihajlovic

Wildlife on the AT

Throughout the AT there is an abundance of wildlife. Hikers might spot white-tailed deer grazing in mountain meadows or hear the haunting call of barred owls at dusk. Salamanders, often called the "hidden jewels" of the Appalachians, thrive in the moist, forested slopes. If you’re lucky, you might come across an elusive hellbender, the country’s largest salamander, or catch a rare glimpse of Bachman’s sparrow in flight.

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Running Wild Media

The Importance of Respecting Wildlife

Just as pollinators play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystems, every animal on the AT contributes to the delicate balance of nature. When hikers disturb wildlife, whether intentionally or not, it can have far-reaching consequences. Feeding animals, for instance, can alter their natural behaviors and make them dependent on human food, which can lead to unwanted interactions. Keeping your trail snacks and meals to yourself, as well as disposing of them properly, will help to maintain that balance. Bring your own trash bags, so that if you carry it in, you can carry it out  

Black bears can be found in almost every state along the trail, but chances are you won’t run into one.  It’s still important to remain “bear aware,” which means securing food in a separate area from where you sleep and carrying bear spray to use if necessary.  

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Pam McIlhenny (CC BY 4.0)

Sharing Space with Wildlife

To ensure both hiker safety and wildlife protection, it's important to maintain adequate distance from animals, use proper food storage techniques, and practice “Leave No Trace” principles. Some of our other top tips include:

• Stay on designated trails to minimize habitat disturbance and reduce the chance of surprise encounters.  
• Report when trails become ambiguous to local ranger stations, which will help other hikers from getting confused on trail.
• Be aware of your surroundings and make noise while hiking. This can alert animals to your presence, especially in areas with limited visibility. (Avoid making excessive noise, however, as this is disturbing to wildlife and other hikers alike!)

The Beginning and End of the Trail

Georgia marks the start of the Appalachian Trail or end if you begin in Maine! Irrespective, Georgia is home to many endangered species, such as the Indiana bat and Appalachian cottontail. While these animals can be found along the AT in Georgia, elsewhere they are losing habitat, which is why it’s crucial for visitors and hikers to respect their space when exploring the AT. It’s up to us to help preserve these special places by leaving only footprints and taking only memories.  

Taking Action

Hikers most certainly play a role in protecting the AT’s wildlife. Off the trail, hikers and wildlife enthusiasts alike can support conservation organizations, like Defenders, volunteer with trail maintenance and habitat restoration projects and tell others about responsible hiking practices. Advocating for policies that address climate change and protect public lands is also crucial for the long-term health of the AT ecosystem.  

By respecting wildlife and prioritizing hiker safety, we can ensure that the AT remains a sanctuary for both humans and animals for generations to come.