C&O Home  GAP Home
The C&O Canal Towpath Trail and Great Allegheny Passage
Georgetown/Washington Bethesda MD Potomac MD Seneca MD Poolesville MD Leesburg VA White's Ferry MD Point of Rocks MD Dickerson MD Brunswick MD Harpers Ferry WV Shepherdstown WV Sharpsburg MD Williamsport MD Downsville MD Big Pool MD Hancock MD Little Orleans MD Paw Paw WV Oldtown MD Cumberland MD Great Allegheny Passage C&O Canal Towpath Merchandise C & O Canal Towpath Trail Map
switch to GAP map Cumberland MD Frostburg MD Meyersdale PA Garrett PA Rockwood PA Markleton PA Ohiopyle PA Connellsville PA Perryopolis PA West Newton PA Buena Vista PA Confluence PA Harnedsville PA Dawson PA Smithton PA C&O Canal Towpath Sutersville PA Boston PA McKeesport PA Homestead PA Pittsburgh PA Great Allegheny Passage Merchandise Great Allegheny Passage Map
switch to C&O map

wildlife
Go to Forum
frank from medford nj on 7/29/2012 5:52:06 PM:
any chance of bears or snakes on the trail or campsites?
 
lenny on 7/30/2012 4:15:24 AM:
Yes, they are everywhere. Watch out for rattlers sunbathing across the trail, they look like sticks from a distance. Bears want nothing to do with people for the most part, but give them wide birth , especially a sow with cubs.
 
Randy from E-Town on 7/30/2012 11:30:27 AM:
In regards to the C&O Canal, there have been several recent reports of Bear sightings near the Cumberland, MD area. They think dry conditions are luring the Bears to the River and parts of the Canal that may have water. I personally encountered a Bear a few miles from the Paw Paw Tunnel last summer. If they hear you they will typically move on. DO NOT FEED the BEARS!!! There is a very effective Bear Spray that is on the market that is endorsed by the National Park Service. On the C&O you will encounter Copper Heads near the river and you could see Black Rat Snakes and Black Snakes on the trail. On the Gap Trail you will encounter Bears, Rattle Snakes and Copper Heads. Leave them alone. Many parts of trail are very remote and it's a not a place you want to deal with a snake bite. Medical help could be hours away. All in all respect them and they will leave you alone.
 
Mr Purple Paul from Allentown PA on 7/30/2012 12:57:23 PM:
I'm glad my wife doesn't read these forums . . LOL
 
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 7/31/2012 10:34:07 AM:
My wife and I just finished the C&O and Gap trail yesterday. My wife watched a black bear cross the trail at mile 76 on the Gap. This was between Ohiopyle and Connellsville. It disappeared into the woods. We came across three snakes, all black snakes. Tons of deer and turtles. We believe we saw an eagle on the Yough river. Not 100% sure it was an eagle. It came down and scooped a fish out of the river.
 
Paul from Gaithersburg,Md on 9/14/2012 3:37:13 PM:
You don't really need to carry bear spray. Black bears will generally move on if you see them and the trail usually has a long range of sight. Just stop and let them move on as they will have seen you and want to get away from you. I have seen lots of snakes, but you usually will see them, except in the fall when the leaves make them a little harder to see.
 
Tom on 9/24/2012 2:12:43 PM:
As far as the Bears please don't feed them. This will condition the Bear to expect a handout from the next person that comes along, thereby setting that person up for an encounter. Yes, in general Bears are easily spooked but it is that characteristic that can make them dangerous. It is true, that there is an effective Bear Spray on the market. Naturally you only use it as a last resort. There have been regional reports of persons being attacked by black bears. You can also carry a whistle or horn with you. Loud noise may frighten the bear away from you. You should always have a back-up plan. Better to be extra safe.
 
FEEDBACK! - Please let us know if you have suggestions, corrections, complaints, or ideas. Your input is valued and appreciated - thanks in advance!
More info: C&O Home C&O Map Trip Planner Travel Timeline Forum Towns & Services Mileage Chart Events Trail Merchandise Search Advertise Contact Us
 
By using this website, you agree to the Terms and Conditions.
how this website uses cookies
This information may not be copied or reproduced in any way.
© Copyright 2024 BikeCandO. All rights reserved.
BikeCandO and BikeCandO.com are registered trademarks.