Hiking generally is a very safe activity. However, there are a few dangers that usually can be avoided with common sense and responsible behavior.Most hiking injuries occur because of risk-taking, such as climbing up rocks from which you could easily fall or wading into fast-moving water where you might drown. Risk-taking shouldn’t be allowed of anyone in your party. If an injury occurs, the hike could very well be over, and rescuing a risk-taker often is quite dangerous.
Wild animals can be a threat, especially snakes or large predators, including mountain lions and bears. The chances of seeing any of these animals actually is fairly slim on the trail, but if you hike enough, it’ll happen. Slowly back away from such animals and in the case of predators, make yourself look large and create a lot of noise to scare them off.
Most plants are safe, but a few of them can cause great pain, particularly poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Avoid rubbing up against them by staying on the trail and walking down the middle of it. Eating berries and mushrooms you’re unfamiliar with also is a no-no.
Getting lost always is a possibility, and with limited supplies, you are in grave danger as days may pass before you are rescued or find your way out. To avoid getting lost, stay on the trail and periodically check your map and even take a compass reading to ensure you know where you are.
