Boating Safety
With all the boaters on the lake, it is important that increased care be taken to look out for your safety and the safety of others. Take the time to become familiar with the safety tips, boating regulations, and equipment necessary to be safe.

Staying Safe in Bear Country
Bears are attracted to the smell of food. Do not, through carelessness, invite bears to your campsite.

• always store food out of reach of bears, preferable in airtight containers in the trunk of your vehicle
• never store food in a tent or tent-trailer where you are sleeping Never cook or eat in or near your tent
• do not burn or bury food scraps
• do not litter. Place all garbage in suitable containers provided in campgrounds or take it with you if no containers are available
• clean fish at designated cleaning stations. If none are available dispose of fish remains in proper garbage containers
• use a flashlight at night
• do not move about the campground at night unless absolutely necessary
• if camping with a dog, keep it on a leash or in your vehicle. An unleashed or noisy dog may irritate a bear

• stay calm, do not run
Make loud noises (but do not approach the bear) - this may help ward off the animal
• if the bear is at a distance, calmly place all foodstuffs in your vehicle
• enter your vehicle as soon as possibleDo not harass or chase the bear
• notify park staff as soon as possible
  

• learning to recognize cougar behavior and recent signs of activity such as tracks, scats and markings
• avoiding areas where carcasses have been left and being aware that cougars often cover their kills with forest debris
• encouraging children to play in supervised groups when outdoors and come inside before dusk
• teaching children what to do if they encounter a cougar.
• keeping pets -- and pet food -- inside

• travel as a group
• carry a walking stick and pepper spray
• make noise to alert cougars of your presence -- be aware of your surroundings.
• keep children and pets close
• if you stumble on cougar kittens, leave the area immediately -- the female will defend her young
• check with the local park office about wildlife sightings before your trip

• never approach the animal
• always leave room for the cougar to easily escape
• immediately pick up your children; children frighten easily and may run, triggering an attack
• face the cougar and slowly back away; do not run or play dead
• stay calm; talk to the cougar in a strong, firm voice
• make yourself look as large as you can; hold your arms or an object above your head

• actions such as shouting, waving a stick or throwing rocks may help prevent an attack; appear as if you are the predator and not the prey
• if a cougar attacks, fight back! People have survived attacks by using bare fists, sticks, fishing rods, rocks, or anything at hand

For more information, contact Scott Sunderwald

Technical questions should be sent to: Parks Webmaster