During the summer, thousands of visitors enjoy scenic hikes in New Jersey’s 27 state parks and 11 state forests. These beautiful landscapes offer opportunities for a wide range of activities, from mountain biking and hiking to kayaking and bird watching. They’re also home to a wide variety of local wildlife: According to NJ Fish & Wildlife, the Garden State is home to more than 400 species of vertebrates in the country.
When walking it is essential to respect the local wildlife (these paths wind through their homes) and to prepare for emergencies. Although it is unlikely that these situations will occur, it is important to be prepared.
Extreme heat
When hiking in warm weather, the American Hiking Society advises people to start early and not to hike between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. During this time, people should hike in shady areas if possible. It is essential to use sunscreen, carry water, and wear clothing appropriate for warm weather.
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Hiking in extreme heat can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke, although heat-related illnesses can also occur prior to the declaration of an “extreme heat” emergency, according to the New Jersey Department of Human Services. To treat heat exhaustion, the NJDHS recommends drinking water or other fluids and resting. The American Hiking Society also recommends staying in the shade for about half an hour and moisturizing the body with cool water.
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If heat exhaustion is not treated, it can progress to heat stroke, which can be potentially fatal and should be treated immediately by pouring water on the affected person’s head and chest. You should also call 911 immediately for professional help. The American Hiking Society also recommends that the affected person be partially immersed in cold water or moved to the shade.
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A variety of ticks can be found throughout North Jersey, especially in the wooded areas during the spring and summer. Ticks can attach to people and pets and transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
To prevent tick bites, NJ Fish & Wildlife recommends using tick repellent on clothing and bare skin, and wearing light-colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants. After walking, check that you are not carrying any ticks.
To remove ticks, NJ Fish & Wildlife recommends using fine-tipped tweezers and pulling the tick upward from the skin without twisting the tick.
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Snakes
Although there are many snakes in North Jersey, most are not venomous. Only the eastern copperhead and the timber rattlesnake pose a danger to hikers. Snakes rarely bite humans and will usually try to stay away from people if they can. According to the NJDEP, there have been no records of people dying from venomous snake bites in NJ in the past 70 years, and there have only been 15 venomous snake bites in the past 22 years.
The eastern copperhead is typically found in the woods of North Jersey from May to October. Their bites are rarely fatal, but are painful and should be treated immediately.
The timber rattlesnake, the only rattlesnake found in New Jersey, is one of the state’s most endangered species and continues to decline. These snakes are typically found in parts of northern New Jersey and the Pinelands between May and October.
Although New Jersey has a relatively small population of timber rattlesnakes, it is possible to see them while hiking. A bite from this snake can be fatal if left untreated; you should seek medical attention within 30 minutes of being bitten. However, this is extremely rare: according to the NJDEP, there have been no deaths from timber rattlesnake bites in the Garden State, and no bites from this snake have been reported except by humans handling them.
To avoid a snakebite, NJ Fish & Wildlife recommends watching your step and maintaining a distance of at least five feet from a snake. It warns against blindly reaching into nooks and crannies such as vegetation or firewood. Do not attempt to catch or handle a snake, even if it is dead.
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If you are bitten by a venomous snake, call 911 immediately. Don’t drive yourself to the hospital, don’t take painkillers or wait for the pain to subside before seeking help, the CDC writes. If possible, take a photo of the snake to aid in identification at the hospital. NJ Fish & Wildlife recommends asking hospital staff to contact NJ Poison Control for the latest treatment protocols for venomous snakebites as they are extremely rare.
Non-venomous snakebites are usually harmless and should be cleaned and dressed in the same manner as a typical cut. Any snake fangs left in the bite should be removed and the affected area should be checked for signs of infection. However, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “all snakebites should be treated as venomous until proven otherwise.” It is crucial to get immediate medical attention in the event of a snakebite.
Bears
Black bears live throughout the Garden State and are crucial to maintaining a healthy ecosystem. While it’s unlikely that you’ll encounter a bear on your trail, an encounter is possible. If you do encounter a bear, NJ Fish & Wildlife recommends not running away or making direct eye contact. Back away slowly and speak calmly and assertively. Make yourself appear as large as possible by waving your arms or holding objects above your head. If the bear charges you, which is extremely rare, fight back with whatever objects you can, aiming for the bear’s snout or eyes.
Bears will usually leave the area when they hear hikers approaching. They will usually venture into specific areas, such as berry fields. Bring bear spray on your hikes.
General safety tips
NJ Fish and Wildlife advises people to hike only during the day and not to stray from marked trails. Stick to popular trails and bring both your cell phone and a whistle or other type of noise maker. Let family and friends know where you plan to hike and what time you plan to be back.
You might consider downloading a hiking app on your cell phone, such as AllTrails, which provides maps and can show you where you are on a trail in real time. There is also a New Jersey State Parks app.
NJ State Park Police recommends staying away from areas that are unfamiliar or have poor visibility. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings and do not wear headphones or earbuds. If possible, it is best not to walk alone. If you see anything suspicious or need to report an emergency, call the State Park Police at 1-877-927-6337.
All environmental emergencies can be reported to 1-877-WARN-DEP. State park trail guides can be found at https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/trailguides/, which include maps, trail descriptions, and safety information.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: New Jersey Hiking Tips: Dealing with Bears, Ticks, Snakes
