Redloud/sunshine/handies TH critters

[schumi248]

Is there still a problem with critters at the trailhead, and if so, what are some deterrents??

[Alpine Guy]

I camped there 2 nights last September and had no problems. I don't even recall seeing any varmints at the trailhead.

[Skimo95]

I’ve had a marmot ride in my undercarriage from American Basin to Nellie Creek. That being said, I don’t think it’s an issue that requires “fencing”.

[Ski Roy Jenkins]

Personally, we always assume there are critters of all shapes and sizes roaming around when we camp. Having bear canisters, or "smell proof" containers to keep all of your food/trash in is nice, and prevents the smaller ones from chewing on backpacks (won't stop them from chewing on your salty backpack straps or hiking poles). Another strategy is the "bearmuda triangle" --> https://i.redd.it/337mr4574zf21.jpg. If you can set up your campsite something like this, it usually helps. Keeping backpacks and poles off of the ground in a camp chair or hanging from a line is always a good strategy. Happy camping!

[RyGuy]

Yup. The San Juans and Elks in particular have a lot of issues with Marmots and Porcupines. This was just a week or two ago: https://www.9news.com/article/life/styl ... 1701da0258

The best way to prevent critter damage is to wrap your car in some fencing to keep them out from under. I use a heavy-duty plastic snow fencing stuff. Works quite well. Don't bother with some of the other stuff folks will say. Coyote urine and Mothballs don't work and are a great way to piss off your neighbors with the smell.

[E_A_Marcus_949]

Yup. The San Juans and Elks in particular have a lot of issues with Marmots and Porcupines. This was just a week or two ago: https://www.9news.com/article/life/styl ... 1701da0258

The best way to prevent critter damage is to wrap your car in some fencing to keep them out from under. I use a heavy-duty plastic snow fencing stuff. Works quite well. Don't bother with some of the other stuff folks will say. Coyote urine and Mothballs don't work and are a great way to piss off your neighbors with the smell.

This. To me it's just not worth it, so at those specific trailheads I will wrap my car. The last few times I've been the only one, but it's worth it to me. I do sleep in my car, so I've figured out the best way to wrap it and get in and out without disturbing the snow fencing around my car (wrap it + rocks to keep it down). I did come across someone at that trailhead who had a critter ruin their AC line a few weeks prior, but they still didn't wrap their car after that. I guess it depends on your comfort level too.

[derekpetrie]

Was just at the American basin TH Friday. Only one there, came back to a marmot with its head buried in the chassis of my F-150. No damage, but there were no shortage of marmots around.

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[schumi248]

Yup. The San Juans and Elks in particular have a lot of issues with Marmots and Porcupines. This was just a week or two ago: https://www.9news.com/article/life/styl ... 1701da0258

The best way to prevent critter damage is to wrap your car in some fencing to keep them out from under. I use a heavy-duty plastic snow fencing stuff. Works quite well. Don't bother with some of the other stuff folks will say. Coyote urine and Mothballs don't work and are a great way to piss off your neighbors with the smell.

Does anyone have a picture of an example of how to do this??

[derekpetrie]

https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/marmots.htm

viewtopic.php?p=712915

I’ll be investing in some snow fencing. Like the tarp idea but don’t want to mess with that amount of material for a full size pickup.

[two lunches]

i'm a small person with a big vehicle (which i often sleep in at trailheads) so tarping/fencing is not an ideal solution for me.

i have used a combination of this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YB ... UTF8&psc=1
and these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L2 ... UTF8&psc=1
for several years without issue- i hang the sachets at front and back of the vehicle, and keep the ultrasonic device on overnight. the device is VERY sensitive, but thankfully i can't hear it inside the cab.

[trekingwithhim]

OK, so I have to admit as I first read these posts, I was picturing some freshman initiation prank to see which gullible person would wrap their car in snow fence. But the NPS link convinced me. I would have never thought of that. Guess I have some brainstorming and gathering to do. Wow!

[Candace66]

...I do sleep in my car, so I've figured out the best way to wrap it and get in and out without disturbing the snow fencing around my car (wrap it + rocks to keep it down)...

Do you have any pics or video showing this setup? If so, please share!