Hiking Awareness

There was a time years ago when we considered hiking an activity requiring little more preparation and thought than strapping on our boots and hitting the trail. In light of the recent death in Yellowstone National Park of an “experienced” hiker, we realize that many others still maintain that attitude, regardless of the signs posted warning of hiking alone, being alert and prepared for wildlife, and carrying adequate provisions and equipment.

Warning Sign
Warning Sign

“They’re uninformed and unprepared,” says Steve Koob who works for U.S. Forest Service and has hiked and backpacked many miles, mostly in back country.

In a Park

Perhaps because people are hiking in a “park,” such as Grand Teton National Park or Saguaro National Park, some feel it is safe. But as the term implies, wildlife is wild, whether it’s a grizzly or a rattlesnake, and it should be considered dangerous and unpredictable. It should also be treated with great respect.

While we’ve encountered many well-prepared, experienced hikers on the trail, we’ve also spotted those who are inexperienced and unprepared. On a recent hike in the Tetons, we took note of some who were simply out for a stroll, more than a mile into the trail, equipped merely with cameras.

“Oh,” exclaimed one to her comrade as we passed, “I left my bear spray in the car.” At least this hiker had thought to include bear spray among her possessions, but merely owning it does not guarantee safety.

“Ninety percent of people who buy bear spray,” say Steve and Marilynn French, well-known grizzly researchers with the Yellowstone Grizzly Foundation, “don’t know how to use it or they pack it in the bottom of their backpack. And of the six people killed by grizzlies in the past five years in the Yellowstone ecosystem, none carried bear spray.” Experienced hikers we encounter wear their bear spray in a location that is easily accessed.

Hiking Alone

Farther up the trail, as we passed a woman hiking alone, we glanced back and noted that she carried no backpack, no water, and no bear spray, even though she had passed by several signs warning of bears in the area.

But at least she wore hiking boots, we thought as we happened upon three hikers minutes later wearing flip-flops, toes exposed and ankles unsupported on the uneven, rock-studded trail.

P1050456
Not a trail for flipflops

Child Alone

And it wasn’t long after that we rounded a bend in the trail to find a young child of perhaps five, marching up the trail carrying a toy rifle and a fistful of animal identification sheets. “Where are your parents?” we asked. But the child continued on his way. A ways down the trail his parents appeared, strolling along, carefree and oblivious.

“It would be a good idea to keep your child with you,” we told them. “There are bears in this area and they could take advantage of a small person alone.” The parents smiled and kept walking.

Jogging on the Trail

Before we reached the end of our hike, a young man jogged by us, apparently out for exercise. Although he carried a bottle of water in a holder strapped to his waist, he had no other equipment. “Nothing bears like better than chasing running prey,” another hiker said, shaking her head, as she watched him disappear up the trail.

Be Prepared

Whether hiking in the mountains with cougars and grizzlies or in the desert with rattlesnakes and scorpions, it’s best to research the area, learn what dangers might be encountered, and note the equipment advised for that region.

“They’re in a hurry,” Steve Koob says of unprepared hikers. “They’re not aware of their surroundings out there, and they need to be.”

Happy Trails!
Happy Trails!

4 thoughts on “Hiking Awareness”

  1. I so appreciate the post, since I have been aware of so much stupidity when I hike. And find it strange when people blame the animals. If you don’t like cougars, dont build your home on cougar mountain. Golly but does it take a Brainiac to go figure. !! Happy travels to you !

    Reply
    • Robyn, thanks for your wise comments! Throughout the years we have seen and heard of so many contestants for the Darwin award. People fail to realize that we are in “someone else’s” neighborhood and that we must treat it with respect. And caution!

      Reply
  2. Chuck and Betty, your wise observations are simple and easy to follow. My parents list of warnings would have also included cliffs, water hazards, stinging insects, poison plants, sun exposure at high altitudes. It seems as time goes on we develop an “it won’t happen to me” type of mindset. Thanks for the reminders.

    Reply
    • Hi Betsy,
      You are right on other suggestions that you mentioned in order to continue living on this planet! But I think that no matter how many obstacles you warn against, there’s always someone out there who’ll say, “I’ll be OK….I’ve never had a problem before.” We’re constantly amazed at the lack of planning exhibited by a good percentage of people who spend time outdoors, be it on the lake, on the trail or any other locale that has the slightest amount of remoteness. Murphy’s Law is always present as are the contenders for the Darwin Awards.
      We missed you at Kid’s Fishing Day! Say hi to Kerry.

      Reply

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