Page "Geocaching" Paragraph 99

Geocaching is not illegal in the United States and is usually positively received when explained to law enforcement officials.

However, certain types of placements can be problematic.

Although generally disallowed, hiders could place caches on private property without adequate permission ( intentionally or otherwise ), which encourages cache finders to trespass.

Caches might also be hidden in places where the act of searching can make a finder look suspicious ( e. g. near schools, children's playgrounds, banks, courthouses, or in residential neighborhoods ), or where the container placement could be mistaken for a drug stash or a bomb ( especially in urban settings, under bridges, near banks, courthouses, or embassies ).

As well as concerns about littering and bomb threats, some geocachers hide their caches in inappropriate locations, that may encourage risky behaviour, especially amongst children.

Examples include electrical boxes and light pole covers.

Hides in these areas are discouraged, and cache listing websites enforce guidelines that disallow certain types of placements.

However, as cache reviewers typically cannot see exactly where and how every particular cache is hidden, problematic hides can slip through.

Ultimately it is also up to cache finders to use discretion when attempting to search for a cache, and report any problems.