Safety & Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Contacts

Write these numbers down — you won't be able to look them up when you need them. A satellite communicator with SOS functionality is the most reliable way to call for help.

Wildlife

Moose

Moose are the most common large animal encounter. They are generally docile but can be dangerous, especially cows with calves and bulls during rut (September–October). Give them wide berth — maintain at least 50 feet of distance. Never position yourself between a cow and calf.

Moose-vehicle collisions are a serious risk. Maine averages 400+ moose-vehicle collisions per year, with several fatalities. Moose are especially dangerous because they stand about 6 feet tall at the shoulder — a collision typically takes out a car's windshield and drops 1,000+ pounds into the passenger compartment.

• Drive slowly, especially at dawn and dusk (peak moose activity)
• Watch for moose on the road, especially near bogs and ponds
• If a moose is in the road, stop and wait — don't honk or try to go around
• If a collision is unavoidable, brake hard and duck below the dashboard

Black Bears

Black bears are present throughout the region — NMW is in the heart of Maine's bear country (population ~36,000 statewide). They are typically shy but will investigate food odors. Store food in bear-resistant containers or hang it from a tree (10 feet up, 4 feet from trunk). Never leave food in your tent.

• Store all food, coolers, and scented items (toothpaste, sunscreen) away from your tent
• Clean up cooking areas thoroughly — don't leave scraps or grease
• If you encounter a bear, make noise and back away slowly
• Never run from a bear — back away while facing it
• For black bears: if attacked, fight back (do NOT play dead)

Insects

Black flies (May–June) and mosquitoes (June–September) are a serious concern, not just an annoyance. Bring DEET-based repellent, head nets, and consider permethrin-treated clothing.

Ticks & Lyme Disease

Deer ticks (blacklegged ticks) carrying Lyme disease have expanded into northern Maine in recent years. While tick densities are lower than southern Maine, the risk is real and increasing. Dog ticks are also common.

• Prevention: Treat clothing with permethrin before your trip
• Use DEET or picaridin on exposed skin
• Wear long pants tucked into socks in tall grass
• Daily tick checks: Check your entire body each evening, especially groin, armpits, hairline, and behind ears
• Remove ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers — pull straight out with steady pressure
• If you develop a bull's-eye rash or flu-like symptoms after a tick bite, see a doctor immediately
• Check dogs thoroughly too — they are tick magnets in tall grass

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is possible even in summer, especially after falling into cold water or getting soaked in rain. Nighttime temperatures can drop into the 30s–40s°F even in June. Recognize the warning signs and know how to respond.

• Get the person out of wet clothing immediately
• Wrap in dry layers, sleeping bag, emergency blanket
• Warm the core first (armpits, groin, neck) — not extremities
• Give warm (not hot) drinks if conscious
• For severe hypothermia: evacuate via satellite SOS — this is life-threatening

Hunting Season Safety

If you're camping during hunting season (September–December), take extra precautions even if you're not hunting. See our hunting guide for detailed season dates.

• Wear blaze orange — required for hunters during firearms deer season, strongly recommended for all visitors during any hunting season
• Make noise while hiking or moving through the woods
• Stick to established roads and trails
• Be aware of your surroundings — especially during dawn and dusk
• Don't wear white or brown clothing that could be mistaken for game

Water Safety

• Never drink untreated water — filter or purify all water from natural sources
• Wear PFDs (life jackets) when paddling — cold water kills quickly
• Water temperatures remain cold even in summer (50s–60s°F)
• Watch for changing weather on large lakes — whitecaps can develop rapidly
• Giardia is present in virtually all surface water

Fire Safety & Permits

67 campsites in North Maine Woods require a free campfire permit from the Maine Forest Service. Our dedicated fire safety guide covers permits, campfire rules, fire danger ratings, and Leave No Trace fire practices.

First Aid Essentials

Carry a well-stocked first aid kit. Help may be hours away, so be prepared to manage injuries independently.

• Wound care supplies (bandages, antiseptic, butterfly closures)
• Tick removal tool (fine-tipped tweezers)
• Anti-itch cream (for bites)
• Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories
• Antihistamines (for allergic reactions)
• EpiPen if you have known allergies
• Emergency blanket
• Splint materials
• Any prescription medications

Before You Go

• Tell someone your itinerary, destination, and expected return date
• Download GPS files and offline maps
• Carry a satellite communicator
• Know basic first aid and CPR
• Check weather forecasts before entering
• Bring more supplies than you think you'll need
• Know your limits — the woods will always be there for your next trip