Going on a camping trip can be on one of the finest adventures. Fresh air, stunning scenery, magnificent trees, and more are all likely to surround your campsite. But we aren’t the only species to be found around camping grounds. And not all the other ones are friendly.

Bears may appear to look cuddly on TV programmes, but there are certain species that are dangerous and nearly everyone will have difficulty in telling the difference between one and the next. Adult grizzlies, for example are normally considered as life-threatening. Being able to establish the difference between a grizzly and a black bear can be tricky.

Black Bears as the name suggests are darkly coloured. But the grizzlies will differ from black to brownish yellow. Size can be a potential indicator, but it’s still difficult to notice the differences between an adult black bear (at 250 to 500 pounds and stands at 5 feet tall) and a junior grizzly.

Adult grizzly bears are significantly larger, at approximately 400 to 1200 pounds, and stands at 8 feet tall on its hind legs. Needless to state, when a grizzly bear is noticed in close proximity to you, you will definitely have other things to consider than identification.

One noticeable feature of the grizzly is that it has a large hump over the shoulders that the black bears lack. The Black bear has a small, almost triangular shaped head that makes identification easier.

Grizzly bears tend to have a concave facial profile. The black bears, by contrast have a long shout, and more pointed ears.

A wild cat has the tendency to inhabit wilderness and camping spots, and they too have the potential to be lethal. Most will shy away from human contact, but if pressed or hungry they may attack.

Bobcats, although small, are amazingly powerful for their size and one would not want to test their razor sharp claws and teeth. A similar species, the Lynx, has noticeable hair tufts on the ears and rounded tails.

If you bring your family pet along for the camping adventure be especially alert when letting it ramble where it could stumble upon a wild cat. Most dogs will not back down and scamper away and will almost certainly be on the losing side of any fight.

Research which of the species are know to habit in the region that you plan to visit, and take any necessary safety measure when you are there. Store any foot in odour tight containers before and after meal times, and keep any rubbish stowed away from your campground.

Darren Lintern writes extensively for www.andallabout.com, a popular informational website that provides helpful tips, advice, and resources on many camping topics including Dog Tents, and Pop Up Tent Trailers.