Location, Astronomy, Protection, and Location

(Inspired by the females in amateur astronomy thread)
The issue of protection while observing is relative.
It's relative to location and location.

Rural Wyoming is a different world than urban New York.
Most remote sites lie between the extremes.

Many drive miles to remote sites.
But not all such sites are equal in their remoteness.

Some remote sites are subject to law enforcement patrols.
Some are subject to invasion by thrill seekers, the party crowd, etc.

Some are borderline remote.
Far enough from most people to be mostly isolated.
Close enough to warrant an awareness toward possible intruders.

Other sites are remote in a Wyoming sense of the word --
You will see no other human life forms.
You will hear no sounds from manmade machinery or vehicles.
There will be no lights from motorized vehicles.
No lights from un-natural sources --
Excepting those you brought with you.

It's possible to camp out for days in a "real" remote site
Without detecting any signs of the civilized world,
Excepting perhaps a rare sighting of an isolated aircraft
High overhead -- and satellites at night.
(One can never escape the satellites!)

What about dogs?
Dogs are good at barking at bears,
They *attract* bears to your location!
I don't take a dog with me to remote sites.
For other locations a dog might make a fine companion.

Coyotes:
Who cares?
They present no real danger
Not even toward a 'lone' adult human.
Their singing can be a welcomed break to the silence.

Firearms?
They have their place.
They have their practical
(and recreational) uses.
But they're definitely *not* for everyone!
They're *not* appropriate for all observing sites.

There are no absolutes in the world of protection.
In some locations friendly human companionship will suffice.
In some locations one may observe alone, unarmed, in perfect safety.
A canine companion can be a welcomed companion in some locations.
Yet there are locations where a firearm can be appropriate;
But not for all people, and not for all locations.

Those from one location
Should not be quick in condemning the
Protective measures taken by others in other locations.
The people of sci-astro-amateur live in widely varying locations.

Bill Greer