C&O Canal Trail & Great Allegheny Passage Comments
wildlife

any chance of bears or snakes on the trail or campsites?

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.

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.

I'm glad my wife doesn't read these forums . . LOL

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.

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.

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.