Hey Machka,

Australia sounds like a lot of fun - I'll have to see about a visit 'down under' at some point!

Agree that most people are kinda irrisponsable campers, and unfortunately that just compounds any risks from wildlife. Within National Parks where camping is permitted, there are strict rules intended to keep both people and animals safe. If there is no camping permitted in some areas it's usually for the same reasons. I've tagged a few links from some of the parks. Unfortunately, regardless of posted notices, lots of people think that all wildlife is cute and harmless and there are usually a few incidents of cougar and bear attacks every year and the animals have to be trapped and destroyed.

http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/visit14.aspx

http://www.pc.gc.ca/docs/v-g/oursges...7/og-bm7a.aspx

http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/nl/torngats/activ.aspx

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/exp...s/bearsaf.html