POISON OAK
Poison oak can be found on trails throughout California. Roughly 85% of people get allergic reactions to the oils on the plant.
INFECTION
- Symptoms include redness, swelling, itching, & small blisters
- The rash can be bumpy, streaky, linear, or patchy
- An infection is not contagious
- Usually takes 12-72 hours after contact for the symptoms to appear
- The rash can last 1-3 weeks
THE PLANT
- Usually has “leaves of 3”, but not always
- Leaf sets grow left then right, never side-by-side
- The leaves are shiny
- The leaves can turn red in the Fall, but not always
- The leaves have jagged edges, but never has thorns
- The plant can be a scrub or a vine
PREVENTION
- Thoroughly wash affected areas within 20-30 minutes of exposure
- Degreasing dish soaps like Dawn
- Technu cleanser
- Technu wipes
- Wash clothing with your usual detergent in hot water
- Wipe shoes with a degreasing cleaning
TREATMENT
- Cool, wet compress for 15-30 minutes at a time
- Hydrocortisone creams like Cortizone-10
- Benadryl cream
- Oral antihistamines like Benadryl
RESOURCES
- https://www.parksconservancy.org/park-e-ventures-article/four-season-field-guide-poison-oak
- https://www.webmd.com/allergies/understanding-poison-ivy-oak-sumac-treatment
- https://www.poison-ivy.org/pacific-poison-oak
- https://www.medicinenet.com/poison_ivy_oak_and_sumac/article.htmhttps://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/311954.php
- https://www.kremp.com/the-hikers-guide-to-poisonous-plants-articles
TICKS
Four species of ticks live in California with only one carrying Lyme disease. The threat of tick bites is year-round in our climate, but the risk is highest in the spring and summer.
PREVENTION
- Stay in the middle of trails
- Avoid grassy areas
- Avoid contact with logs, tree trunks & fallen branches or tree limbs in forests
- Apply repellents with at least 20% DEET to skin and clothes
- Check yourself & others during & up to 3 days after activity in tick habitats
- Shower soon after returning from tick habitats
TREATMENT
- Remove it as soon as possible
- Use fine-tipped tweezers
- Grab tick as close to the skin as possible
- Pull straight up with steady, even pressure
- Ensure all parts of the tick are removed
- Clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap & water
RESOURCES
- Common California snakes:
- https://www.eurekacamping.com/blog/article/6-venomous-rattlesnakes-california-and-how-identify-them
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5393596.pdf
- https://www.hixmagazine.com/what-to-do-if-you-see-a-rattlesnake/
- https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-a-Rattlesnake-Attack
- https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Keep-Me-Wild/Rattlesnakes
- https://www.trails.com/how_2197_identify-rattle-snake.html
RATTLESNAKES
There are 33 species of snakes in California. Only 6 are venomous, and they are all rattlesnakes. Thankfully, rattlesnakes generally aren’t aggressive unless threatened or provoked.
IDENTIFYING
- Triangular head
- Rattle on the tail, but not on young snakes
PREVENTION
- Stay on well-used trails
- Avoid tall grass
- Watch where you step
- Don’t reach into places you can’t see
- Listen for rattling sounds
ENCOUNTER
- Stay calm
- Give it space
- A coiled rattlesnake can strike a distance of half its length
- Stay still and wait for it to move away or walk around at a distance
TREATMENT
- Stay calm
- Call 911
- Wash the bite area gently with soap and water if possible
- Remove watches, rings, etc., which may constrict swelling
- Immobilize the affected area
- Keep the bite below the heart if possible
- Transport safely to the nearest medical facility immediately
RESOURCES
- Common California snakes:
- https://www.eurekacamping.com/blog/article/6-venomous-rattlesnakes-california-and-how-identify-them
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5393596.pdf
- https://www.hixmagazine.com/what-to-do-if-you-see-a-rattlesnake/
- https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-a-Rattlesnake-Attack
- https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Keep-Me-Wild/Rattlesnakes
- https://www.trails.com/how_2197_identify-rattle-snake.html
MOUNTAIN LIONS
Mountain lion encounters are rare as they normally keep their distance. If you do happen upon a cat, they will normally lose interest and move on once they realize you are not prey.
CONFRONTED
- Seem as large as possible
- Make noise
- Act defiant, not afraid
- Slowly create distance
- Protect yourself