Family travel 5: Outdoor warnings

Seeking outdoor adventure is a great goal. But it's important to keep our skills, gear and intel up to date. Here are five ideas to consider:

Be bear aware

Your goal during a hiking, fishing or camping experience is to avoid getting up close and personal with a bear. So while making plans, inquire about recent bear activity at your intended destination. Research shows that bear spray is effective, so have yours at the ready and know how to use it. Travel in groups of three or more and sing, tell stories, or take turns shouting "Hey, bear!" to let wild creature know you are in the area. (Bears don't like surprise encounters, particularly when they have cubs in tow. ) Hike during daylight hours, stay on trails and avoid berry patches and animal carcasses. Look for signs of bear activity including scat, tracks or overturned rocks. Be extra careful when close to running water and use caution when approaching blind turns on a trail. When camping, keep your tent and spaces clean and free of odors. (Remind the kids that stashing candy bars in sleeping bags could result in unintended consequences!) Don't sleep in clothes you cooked in. Be sure to hang food and trash away from sleeping areas or in bear-proof containers.

For more: www.nps.go/yell; www. grizzlydiscoveryctr.org

Be wise about bees

Swarming bees have become more common due to the increase of Africanized honey bees, most notably in New Mexico, Southern California, Arizona, Texas and Florida. The bees can become very aggressive when defending their colony. If someone gets too close to their home, they give fair warning with a bump to your body or what's known as "head-butting" That's your clue to leave the area immediately. If ignored, an attack could occur. To prevent this, be on the lookout when exploring outdoors. Listen for the buzzing sound and avoid tree stumps, cliff walls or other protected places when hiking. If an attack occurs, run for shelter, cover your head and avoid swatting at the bees. Don't try to kill attacking bees as they release an alarm scent which will attract other members of their colony. If attacked, call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.

Learn about mountain lions

Mountain lion attacks on people are rare. Yet, recently, interactions have increased. Experts believe the shift is due, in part, to humans moving closer to lion habitat, an increase in deer populations (their prey), and more hikers, bikers and runners sharing trails with lions.

If you venture into lion country, experts recommend exploring in groups. Wear bright colors and make plenty of noise to avoid a surprise. Carry a walking stick and keep children close at all times. Should an encounter occur, do not run. Stay calm. Maintain eye contact. Pick up any children and talk firmly as you slowly back away. Do everything you can to loom large. Raise your arms, open a coat but be careful not to block a lion's escape route. If the lion acts aggressively, fight back with rocks, sticks or whatever you can find without getting low or turning your back.

For more: www.mountainlion.org

Stay warm and dry

Whether you get caught in a downpour, lost on the trail, or stay in the boat too long, getting too cold and too wet is something to avoid. It is helpful to remember the acronym COLD to avoid hypothermia: Cover, Overexertion, Layers and Dry. It's especially important to keep heads, hands and feet covered. Avoid overexertion that will cause sweating. The combination of wet clothes and cold temperatures will cause the loss of body heat. Dressing in loose-fitting layers, with silk, wool or polypropylene closest to the body, is best for retaining body heat. And, of course, stay dry whenever possible and remove wet clothing at the earliest opportunity. Know that children (and older adults) chill more quickly and need one more layer in the same conditions. Shivering, the body's natural attempt to warm itself, is a first sign of hypothermia. Bright red, cold skin and a weak cry are the first signs of hypothermia in an infant.

Snake smarts

Hiking, climbing and camping in many parts of the country means a snake encounter is possible. Make sure kids know to steer clear of anything that resembles a snake. According to the University of Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, more than half of those bitten intentionally provoked the snake in some way. Stay on hiking trails and keep hands and feet away from wood and rock piles, deep grass or crevices. Carry a flashlight and wear shoes after dark. "Time is tissue," experts say. So if a bite does occur, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.

For more: www. azpoison.com.

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This story was originally published July 6, 2026 at 8:40 AM.