On The Coast
All food, garbage and scented items must be stored in hard-sided containers such as bear canisters. Hanging food in bags is not allowed on the coast. Bear canisters are available for loan at the WIC and some park ranger stations for a $3 suggested donation.
Along the coast, especially at Cape Alava and Sand Point in the Ozette area, years of heavy use, feeding of wildlife, and improper food storage have habituated raccoons to stealing human food. Raccoons are clever, resourceful and aggressive. They can climb ropes, hang from tree branches and leap long distances. Raccoons have learned how to work toggles and zippers, and can unscrew containers.
If your container is not a certified bear canister, it must be a hard-sided container such as a 5-gallon paint bucket with a snap-fitting lid such as those sold in hardware stores. It then must be hung at least 12 feet high and 10 feet from the nearest tree trunk 24 hours a day when unattended. Always carry 75-100 feet of rope to hang containers. Report any incidents of raccoons getting food. Do not feed any wild animals!
To protect wildlife, yourself and your gear:
NEVER leave unsecured food unattended. Turning your back for a moment is long enough for a raccoon to snatch your food.
Store your food, garbage and scented items in a hard-sided container with a tight-fitting lid at all times.
Keep a clean camp.
Any type of gear is susceptible to raccoon thievery. Store any unhung, unscented gear inside your tent (NO FOOD).
Raccoons can break into Tupperware, coolers and other types of containers. Containers known to work reliably against raccoons and bears: Garcia Machine "Backpackers Cache", Wild Ideas "Bearikades" and BearVault. Raccoons have been breaking into plastic buckets at Sand Point! Call the WIC to find out how to keep raccoons out of your bucket or use a bear canister.
