Co-Existing with Critters (the Wild Kind)

If you have experience camping in a tent while touring, tell me your best practices managing encounters with local wild species. I’ll be doing the SOUTHERN TIER SOLO E>W later this month and will use my small tent/sleeping bag for overnight accommodations. I want to minimize my chance of encounters with ALLIGATORS, BEARS, BIG CATS, BOARS, SNAKES, SCORPIONS, ETC. Not allowing food in your tent, and bagging food & hanging it high, are some good practices. (PS I will be using WarmShowers locations whenever I can). I need your stories/advice about SAFE TENTING amidst the native feral fauna inhabitants, please. Thanks and have a Safe Ride!