Spring is upon us and in Southern California runners tend to gravitate to the trails as the weather warms up and hills turn green, at least this runner does. Spring is a great time to explore new trails but we’re not the only ones out on the trails. There’s a lot to watch out for and you should know what to do if you encounter trouble along the way.

I’m guessing we choose to run trails because we love the outdoors and wildlife. I love to see rabbits, squirrels, and hawks. We don’t have elk and I’ve never seen a deer or a bear, although I know they are out there in some places . But not all wildlife is created equal so to speak, some things I’d prefer not to run into…coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats and rattlesnakes. For the most part these animals aren’t looking to harm you but given the right circumstances they can be very harmful if not deadly.

Would you know what to do if you encountered a wild animal? 

Let me start with the most feared…

Mountain Lion (aka cougar)

Mountain lions don’t generally attack humans unless sick, provoked, startled or protecting their young. If you encounter a mountain lion do not turn your back on it and never run. If you run then it’s game on, they will instinctually chase you, and you will never out run one.

Make yourself appear big. Stand tall, open your jacket if wearing one, slowly wave your arms and speak loudly and  firmly. You can throw rocks or sticks to encourage it to leave. 

If you have small children or a small dog with you pick them up without bending forward, bending forward makes you appear like a four legged animal and thus prey. Always stand your ground and fight back, protecting your head and neck, if it comes to that. 

Bobcat

Bobcats almost never attack humans. Having said that, they are wild animals and should never be approached. Similarly to a mountain lion encounter you want to protect small children and animals.

Never run. I think that’s a given so let’s just say never run from any wild animal. They will chase you and they will catch you. I don’t care how many age group awards you have. 

Make yourself look big, make a lot of noise, and I read somewhere “If you have water, squirt it at them.” Sounds like a typical cat response. 😉

Coyote

I’ve encountered many coyotes and they will stand and look at you then run off. I got nervous once when I came across a pack of six, but one by one they walked across the path and didn’t pay any attention to me.

But like any other wild animal, do not approach, stand tall, never attempt to feed and protect small children and pets. 

Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes aren’t generally aggressive and rarely attack. Having said that though, this is the animal I am most likely and thus most afraid to encounter. The majority of snake bites occur when a snake is startled or stepped on. So your safest bet is to watch where you step and stay out of the brush where you might not be able to see them.

If you should come across a rattlesnake you want to quietly and slowly walk around it. This is when you can run. 🙂 Most of the time they are going to hear you coming and scurry into the brush. At least that’s what I’m hoping. 

How to avoid wildlife encounters

• Make noise.
• Don’t wear headphones. (so you can hear your surroundings)
• Keep children and pets close to you.
• Hike or run in groups.
• Avoid dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active.

Non-wild life on the trail

Poison oak or poison ivy

• Both plants contain the same toxic resin, urushiol in all parts of the plant (toxic to humans but harmless to animals). 
• Both plants have three leaflets, white flowers in spring, and can grow as a vine or a shrub.
• Leaflets can range in size from the length of your thumb to the length of your hand.
• Middle leaflet has a notably longer stem than the two side leaflets, though more obvious in poison ivy than poison oak.
• Depending on the season, leaf color can range from green to orange and even a dark purplish-red.

If you are exposed to either plant wash the affected area with dish soap and cold water within 10 minutes of exposure. Obviously that may not always be possible so wash ASAP. You will also need to wash everything you came in contact with and know that it can take anywhere from 24 hours to 1 week for a rash to appear. If a rash develops you can use calamine lotion, aloe vera and oatmeal baths. For severe cases you might need to visit your doctor or ER for prescription medications.

I had a small patch of poison oak rash on my arm and thigh once after hiking with a friend. Let me just say it was the itchiest thing ever! A doctor I work with said he admitted someone once who was covered in poison oak because the itch was so bad he needed to be sedated. I can totally see the need for that. You do not want poison oak!

It’s best to avoid the situation all together by remembering  this simple rhyme “Leaves of three, let it be.”

These wild animals are common in my area? What animals do you hope to avoid in your neck of the woods?

Have you ever come across one of these animals? Or had poison oak/ivy?

For more on trail running go here.

I’m linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday’s Topics  Thanks ladies!

And also with Deborah, Debbie, Jenn, Lisa and Laura for Runners’ Round Up.  Take a few minutes to visit their blogs as well as a few others in the link up. 

Thanks for reading!

                   Denise