The Great Outdoors


Summer is upon us and for most, like me, that means escaping to the great outdoors. Camping, fishing, and hiking are loads of fun and staying safe will insure the overall thrill.

Whether camping in a tent, rv, or just going on a day hike, there are a few things you musn't leave home without. The most important thing to have on hand is a first aid kit. You can buy one at a store or make up your own. What I carry in mine includes: latex gloves, bandaids, gauze pads, gauze tape, antibiotic cream, alcohol prep pads, sting relief medicated pads, towlettes, first aid cream, tweezers, hydrocortisone cream (just in case you fall upon some poison ivy or oak), acetaminophen or ibuprofen, plus whatever extras you think you may need.

Water is an essential especially while hiking. Dehydration can be a killer in disguise so make sure you have enough water for the trip. Salty snacks will also help to keep you hydrated when the heat is turned up.

I tend to forget the rules when it comes to viewing wildlife. Distance is a major factor and I learned that lesson last summer when I got a wee bit too close to a grizzly. He seemed harmless and actually at the end was but bears as well as elk, bison and others are still wild animals and can attack without warning.

While hiking the most important thing to do is make noise. Bear bells are the best in my opinion but any noise you make will under most circumstances detour the bear or other wildlife away. Carrying bear spray is another great idea. I carry it while fishing, hiking, or just exploring.

Every year I am amazed when I read about visitors to Yellowstone National Park being gored by a bison. I mean get real. Would you try to have your picture taken standing next to this gigantic animal? There are some really half-witted people out there who have tried just that or have just been to close to one. It is against the law to approach within 100 yards of bears or within 25 yards of all other wildlife.

Bison can weigh 2,000 pounds and can sprint at about 20mph...you won't outrun one. When provoked -- and nearly all attacks result from provocation, often when someone approaches too close in hopes of getting a good photo. People have been butted, thrown into the air, gored and trampled. So please keep your distance!

The copyright of the article The Great Outdoors in Wildlife is owned by Connie Troutman. Permission to republish The Great Outdoors in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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