Camping enthusiasts often bring along their beloved pets to share in the outdoor adventure, with some opting for companions that sport feathers instead of fur. Let’s delve into the data on pets and camping before discussing a recent incident involving a missing macaw at a state park campground.
According to the latest camping report from The Dyrt, a prominent camping platform, a significant 53.7% of campers included their canine companions on their camping trips in 2023. Dogs emerged as the most popular pet choice among campers surveyed, reflecting a growing trend in pet-friendly camping accommodations. Notably, dog parks ranked as the third most sought-after amenity added to campgrounds last year, trailing only behind Wi-Fi access and pickleball courts.
Following closely behind dogs, cats were the second most commonly brought pets on camping excursions. The survey indicates that 5.8% of campers opted to bring their feline friends along for the outdoor experience. While some cat owners may hesitate to bring their pets on camping trips, citing concerns about their comfort, others, like those in Washington state, where camping with pets is particularly prevalent, embrace the idea wholeheartedly.
Beyond the typical cats and dogs, a diverse array of pets accompanied their owners on camping adventures in 2023, including chickens, box turtles, guinea pigs, and even parrots.
Parrot on the Loose in Valley of Fire State Park
Recently, Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada made an announcement via social media regarding a lost pet within its premises earlier this month. The missing pet, a scarlet macaw named Kara, belongs to the parrot species native to the rainforests and humid evergreen forests of the Americas.
Described by its owner as a vocally expressive bird, Kara is known to make her presence known through her distinctive calls, potentially aiding in her location within the park.