Respect Wildlife

If you notice bats where you are recreating:

• Avoid any physical contact.
• Use screens or mosquito netting to prevent them from getting into your outdoor living space.
• Do not touch a bat that cannot fly, see during the day, or flying in the winter, that bat might be sick. Stay away and notify a forest ranger.

How you can help bats:

• Stay out of caves and mines where bats are hibernating and honor cave closings.
• Following the National WNS Decontamination Protocol to clean and disinfect clothes, footwear, and equipment used in caves or mines.
• Report bats showing signs of white-nose syndrome, and bats that are dead, dying, or appear diseased, to a forest ranger.
• Spread the word about the need to save our bats.

Encountering a Bear:

• DO NOT RUN.
• Remain calm.
• Group together and pick up small children.
• Continue to face the bear and back away slowly, talking calmly to identify yourself as a human.
• If the bear continues to approach, try to scare it away by making yourself as large and imposing as possible by stretching your arms overhead and making loud noises.
• Carry and know how to use bear spray, which is available at many outdoor retailers and can be used to deter a charging bear.

Preventative Bear Safety:

• Do not feed bears or other wildlife.
• Read all signs at trailheads.
• Stay alert, do not wear headphones and cautiously approach any blind corners.
• Carry bear spray such that it is easily accessible. Know how to use it.
• Keep a clean camp site.
• Store food or any scented items including clothing, utensils, and trash with food residues in bear safe containers.
• Try to stay in a group when possible and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
• If you see a bear, maintain a safe distance and alter your route to avoid the bear. Never block a bear’s travel route.
• If you see a cub alone, don't approach. Momma bear could be nearby.

Mountain Lion Safety:

• Do not hike alone. Go in groups, with adults supervising children.
• Avoid dawn and dusk excursions.
• Keep children close to you. Animals seem especially drawn to children.
• Pick up small children. The mountain lion will see small children as easier prey.
• Do not approach a lion. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation, so give them a way to escape.
• Do not run from a lion. Running may stimulate a mountain lion's instinct to chase.
• Do not crouch down or bend over. A human standing does not resemble a mountain lion's natural prey.
• Do all you can to appear larger. Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you are wearing one. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice.
• Fight back if attacked. Mountain lions usually try to bite the head or neck; try to remain standing and face the attacking animal.

How to avoid snake bites:

• Leave snakes alone. Do not handle, tease or harass them.
• Keep a distance of at least six feet between you and the snake.
• Stay on trails and watch where you place your hands and feet, especially when climbing or stepping over fences, large rocks and logs or when collecting firewood.
• Stay away from tall grass and piles of leaves.
• Avoid climbing on rocks or piles of wood where a snake may be hiding.
• Wear long pants and proper foot gear, especially at night.

How to treat snake bites:

• Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
• Keep the snake bite victim still, as movement helps the venom spread through the body.
• Keep the injured body part motionless and just lower than heart level.
• Keep the victim warm, calm and at rest.
• Do not allow the person to eat or drink anything.
• Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.