Safety

 

 

 

Protect Your Park, Protect Yourself

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace NHP rangers are encouraging visitors to have a safe and memorable trip to the Birthplace and Boyhood Home of our 16th president. Protect yourself and the sights you plan to enjoy by following a few simple guidelines:

• Follow the Leave No Trace Seven Principals. By following the Leave No Trace Seven Principles, you will help protect yourself and the park for years to come.
• The walkways, including the boardwalk, are slippery when wet. Hiking trails may cross public road. Be careful as you hike and watch current weather conditions. Use caution at all times when hiking. Learn more about how to hike smart when using the trails in the park.
• No walking or climbing on the walls of the Memorial Building steps, Boundary Oak, Sinking Spring, or flag pole area. This not only protects you, but the resources of the park.
• Never feed wildlife. Never approach animals. The animals in the park are wild and unpredictable, no matter how calm they appear to be. Animals that become dependent on human food may become aggressive toward people and may have to be destroyed. Keep all food, garbage, or other smelly items packed away when not in use.
• Keep an eye on all of the people in your group, especially small children. We recommend that you and your travel companions stay on trails due to poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.

See below for more great advice on how you can stay safe, and be sure to review our Laws & Policies.

 

Ranger Jess’s Top Tips for Viewing Wildlife at the Park

• Stay on the path- walking off the trail can damage and disturb wildlife habitat
• Look all around you- up in the trees, down on the ground, and under the water
• Listen for rustling leaves, buzzing, flapping wings, animal calls, and bird songs
• Use binoculars to watch animals from afar
• Maintain a safe distance- if they react to your presence, you are probably too close
• Be respectful- never chase or pick up wildlife (baby animals are often being watched from afar by their mother)
• Challenge yourself- try to identify what kind of animal you are watching and what that animal might eat
• Take pictures- we love seeing our visitor’s photos!

 

Heat Related Illness

High temperatures and the risk of heat illness can happen rapidly during the summer months when temperatures can exceed 90ºF (32ºC). Be prepared for heat and humidity while recreating in the park. Always carry and drink plenty of water, as well as eat salty snacks, as excessive sweating can diminish the body’s sodium levels.

Ticks, Snakes, and Poison Ivy

Ticks

Ticks can be prevalent throughout the park and there is a risk of tick-borne illness if one bites you. It is important to take precautions and to be aware of the risks. When in tick habitat:

• Wear light-colored clothing, long sleeves, and long pants, with pant legs tucked into socks and shirts tucked into pants. Consider wearing gaiters as well.
• Do frequent tick checks of yourself and any children or pets with you.
• Always check for ticks after any outdoor activity, both at the end of the day and the next morning.
• Consider using chemical applications. 0.5% Permethrin insecticide applied to clothing is effective in reducing tick bites; however, when used improperly it can create negative health effects. DEET repellent has only limited effectiveness against ticks (less than a couple of hours). Picaridin is another repellent option that will not ruin synthetic fabrics or their water-repellent finishes. Always use and store chemicals according to the manufacturers' instructions.

Snakes

Be alert for venomous snakes. Copperheads and rattlesnakes are generally found on land but may sometimes be seen in the water. Use ordinary precautions: wear shoes and always carry a flashlight after dusk. If you see a snake, leave it alone! All animals in the park are protected by law.

Poison Ivy/ Poison Oak / Poision Sumac

Poisonious plants can be found throughout the park and can grow as a shrubs or vines. The leaves may be a range of colors uncluding red, green, and orange.

• Most people are sensitive in varying degrees to the oils of this plant, which makes skin itch, blister, and swell.
• Avoid contact with all parts of these plants. If exposed, wash the affected skin with soap and water as soon as possible. It takes several minutes for the oils to penetrate the skin.