Trail Hazards

Most hikers never suffer from a trail hazard but it's best to be aware of all that can happen. Know the hazards and have the right equipment so that you can have peace of mind and an enjoyable trip.

Bears:

Black bears are common in our region. They eat grasses, berries, fish, and carrion. Normally, a Black Bear will run when they sense a human. Make noise so that they know you are in the neighbourhood.
We also have Grizzly bears but they are not numerous and are not often encountered. Grizzlies can be more aggressive toward humans. It's best to avoid certain areas at set times of the year. Two favourite spots for grizzlies are snowslde slopes in early Spring and along the banks of rivers where salmon are spawning in the Autumn.
Any bear may attack under certain conditions. If you are between a mother bear and her cubs or if you stumble upon a bear with a fresh kill or if you surprise a bear at close quarters, you may be in danger. To prevent all such dangerous encounters, make noise to warn the bear that you are approaching. Sing, talk or wear bear bells on the trail, especially in thick brush. If you encounter a bear, back up, rather than turning to run.
You should always carry a can of Bear Spray with you in the bush. It is a pepper spray that is effective within 5 metres(15 feet). It is only used as a last resort but is a comfort if you need it. Bear Spray is readily available at all local sports stores.

Other Wild Animals:

Bears are the only large mammals in our area that you need to prepare for. Wolves are not a danger, despite all the fairy tales. Of course, any wild animal, even as small as a weasel, will threaten or attack if cornered or threatened. Common sense prevails. Never try to feed any large animal. Never shoot and wound an animal. Leave all baby animals alone. Never harass a wild animal.

Forest fires:

Avoid building a campfire if the bush is dry. A campfire can get away in seconds and create a real hazard.

If you build a campfire, always drown it with water and scatter the ashes when you leave so that there is no chance of it re-igniting later.

Insects:

During the Spring and Summer, in certain weather conditions, you may encounter mosquitos and black flies. The solution? Keep insect spray in your pack and apply to the brim of your hat, your shirt sleeves and the back of you shirt or jacket. Avoid spraying on your skin. If a breeze is blowing, the insects will often disappear.

Hypothermia:

If you get too wet, too cold or exhausted or a combination of the three, you may suffer hypothermia.
The best prevention is to be prepared with proper clothing and emergency supplies. Always take enough clothing to suit the worst possible weather conditions. Weather can change quickly from bright sun to wind and rain.

Make certain that you always carry a rainproof and windproof outer shell.
Keep spare socks and a dry undershirt in your pack. Store any spare clothing in a plastic garbage bag or waterproof bag. Many packs are not waterproof and everything that is not protected will get very wet in a rain shower.

Take a toque and mittens if you plan on hiking high above timberline, even on a warm summer day. At the 7000' to 9000' level, the temperature can be close to freezing even if it is warm and sunny at timberline.

Always carry a package of waterproof matches and a mylar Space Blanket in each persons pack. You may never need them but if someone is injured, you may have to leave them on the trail while you hike out for help. The Space Blanket can keep them warm and the matches can be used to start a fire that can keep them warm and comforted.

Stagnant water in swamps and slow-running creeks and rivers may contain various natural micro-organisms that can make you sick. Avoid drinking from any water source that is slow-moving.

If you must use such water, boil it hard for three minutes or treat it with tablets available for that purpose or else use a water purification unit, available from local sports shops. Fast-running water from glaciers and snow banks above timberline are generally safe to drink.
Be certain to pack enough water. There is a lot of water in our area but some trails follow ridges that may have no water source for hours.

Sunburn and UV:

We have long summer days and sunlight that can burn skin in 30 minutes or less. Keep sun block cream in your pack and refresh it through the day.
UV rays are more intense and dangerous at higher elevations above timberline. The higher you are, the more important to protect your skin with sun block cream and to protect your eyes with UV blocking sunglasses, especially if you are hiking on snow or ice patches. Strong UV rays are suspected of lowering your natural immune response. Sun block cream, sunglasses and a wide-brim hat will minimize your exposure.

Getting Lost:

Much of our area is mountainous or rolling hills. if you take a good look around at the start of a trail, you can usually figure your location by sighting nearby peaks or ridges.
Take a compass and a local topographic map as a backup.
It is a good idea to take a roll of flagging tape with you, to mark a return trail that may be hard to see on descent. This is especially true if a trail disappears at timberline.