Bear and Snake Protocol
Nature is the name of the game, but it also can be a frightening experience if you don't know how to behave when placed in a potentially threatening situation. In our area the two main threats are Black Bears and Poisonous Snakes. Both are rare and with the proper precaution will not ruin a hike.
Encountering a Black Bear
For close encounters the most important thing to remember is to remain calm and do not run. Back away slowly, without making eye contact, and attempt to look bigger than you are by moving your arms about. Make some noise as well.
If the bear raises itself up on two legs it is more than likely just looking for more information. This is not a bear fighting stance. If, against all odds, the bear does attack you should fight back. Please note fighting back is only recommend for Black Bears. For instance, in Grizzly Bear attacks in the Western US it is recommend to play dead.
For more information, here is the the NJ Trail Conference Page on Black Bear encounters.
Poisonous Snakes
First - nobody in the State of NJ has ever died from a snake bite! But there are two kinds of poisonous snakes that can be encountered on trails, the Copperhead and the Timber Rattlesnake.
The best protection against snakes is to simply stay on the trail. They do not like people and will usually leave us alone. If one is spotted on a trail, simply give it a wide birth and notify fellow hikers. If that is not possible, wait the snake out. It knows you are there and will eventually move out of your way.
For more information, here is the NJ Fish and Wildlife brochure on snakes.
Encountering a Black Bear
For close encounters the most important thing to remember is to remain calm and do not run. Back away slowly, without making eye contact, and attempt to look bigger than you are by moving your arms about. Make some noise as well.
If the bear raises itself up on two legs it is more than likely just looking for more information. This is not a bear fighting stance. If, against all odds, the bear does attack you should fight back. Please note fighting back is only recommend for Black Bears. For instance, in Grizzly Bear attacks in the Western US it is recommend to play dead.
For more information, here is the the NJ Trail Conference Page on Black Bear encounters.
Poisonous Snakes
First - nobody in the State of NJ has ever died from a snake bite! But there are two kinds of poisonous snakes that can be encountered on trails, the Copperhead and the Timber Rattlesnake.
The best protection against snakes is to simply stay on the trail. They do not like people and will usually leave us alone. If one is spotted on a trail, simply give it a wide birth and notify fellow hikers. If that is not possible, wait the snake out. It knows you are there and will eventually move out of your way.
For more information, here is the NJ Fish and Wildlife brochure on snakes.
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