Pleasanton Hiking Safety

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Shelter, food and water are the most basic necessities of life, and things that are all too easy to take for granted. So much so that when it's time to get away from it all and disappear into the woods for a rejuvenating hike, it's easy to ignore your most basic needs.

 

Without proper planning and packing, even a short day hike might turn into a potentially dangerous outing. So, before you brush off the stress of the week and lace up your hiking boots, remember these hiking safety tips.

 

Grazing Animals

Cattle is a large animal, weighing 1,000 pounds or more. If you encounter cattle on the trails, try not to start them. Protect yourself, your pets and your livestock. Don't let your pets hunt or harass the livestock. If the cattle block the trail, approach them slowly, speak normally, and allow them to move away. Don't try to touch the livestock. Don't get between the cow mother and the young calves. If you encounter a cow that is acting in a threatening manner or appears to be injured, sick or dead, please note the location, the color of the animal, the number of the ear tag, and report it to the park staff.

 

Poison Oak

Glossy leaves grow in sets of three (like wild blackberry) and turn from light green in the spring to pink or red in the summer. The "poison" is the oil found in the entire plant. Even touching the stem of the plant can cause a skin reaction. Avoiding poison oak is the best way to prevent itchy rash from touching the plant. Staying on the trail will help to avoid contact. If you are in contact with poison oak, wash with soap and water immediately. Calamine lotion helps to relieve itching. If the rash spreads, see your doctor.

 

Snakes

Although most snakes found in California are harmless, the northern Pacific rattan can deliver a venomous bite if it is provoked. Its coloring allows it to blend into the soil, providing excellent camouflage. The rattlesnakes and gopher snakes have similar coloring, so the rattlesnakes are often mistaken for their harmless cousin. Therefore, be careful and avoid any snake you see in the wild.

 

Hiking the Dogs in the Parks

Upon arrival at the trail or parking area, keep your dog(s) on-leash-dogs in all parking lots, picnic areas, developed areas such as lawns and playgrounds, and some trails. They have to be under voice control at all times. Read the dog rules you have posted. They must also remain on-leash 200 feet from the entrance to the trail or the park, which allows a cooling-off period for an excited pet to be outdoors.

 

Watch out for signs of thirst, hunger, and tiredness during your walk. You know your dog best, so pay attention to the signs that you may know. Take rest stops for yourself and your friend on the trail. Dogs also appreciate some time in the shade to cool off.

 

If your dog deposits waste along the trail, pick it up in your dog's garbage bag or one of the garbage bags in the park. Please take it with you-don't leave it on the side of the trail. These bags are often forgotten, and they remain for someone else to pick up. Everyone likes to see a clean park, so please do your part of it.

 

Be sure to keep your dog close, there are many perils in the parks for dogs. They can also transmit poison oak to their owners if they are allowed to break off the trail. Be aware that many people are afraid of dogs, despite the owner's belief that their dog is friendly. And a lot of people don't like an uncontrolled and overly friendly dog jumping on them or their children.

 

Hiking Checklist

• Water for yourself and your animal(s)

• Trail map

• High energy snacks

• Cash for fees when applicable

• First aid kit

• Camera and binoculars (optional)

• Extra clothing

• Trekking poles (optional)

• Sunglasses/hat

• Flashlight (optional)

• Sunscreen

• Compass (optional)

• Insect repellent