What are the chances of seeing a mountain lion here? How many people have been mauled by the bears here?
how often do people get bitten by rattlesnakes?
Are those big hairy tarantula spiders poisonous?
Is it safe to be so close to the border here?
At Big Bend, employees answer these questions daily.
But, while we encourage visitors to be concerned for their
safety. other serious issues are much more common here.
By far the most risky thing you can do in big bend national park
is travel by vehicle you can greatly increase your chances of an
incident free visit if you always wear your seat belts, never drive
while under the influence, drive only when you're well rested and
most importantly, you always obey the posted speed limits.
While they may seem slow, there are good reasons for them.
Park roads have narrow lanes, steep or no shoulders, sharp curves rough
pavement, but most of all LOOK OUT!
Abundant wildlife.
Deer, javelina, rabbits, snakes,
Birds, coyotes
Bears.
Mountain lions spiders and even toads
can appear suddenly and seemingly out of nowhere.
Drought conditions are especially hazardous since the only fresh greenery may
be at the pavement edge but wildlife can create a road hazard even when it's
well-off the pavement remember too that you share the road
with bicycles so slow down and stay alert.
The sun is the second leading cause of serious visitor problems at big
bend national park even on cool days it's easy to underestimate
how much moisture and salt your body's losing your kids are
even more vulnerable if you're thirsty you're already dehydrated so
asks the locals for current advice on how much water to carry and how
often to drink and eat. Minimize caffeine and alcohol keep your
head and body shaded with a hat this clothing and plenty of
sun screen avoid hiking in the heat of the day?
Getting stranded or lost is the
third most common cause it's serious visitor problems here in the park.
With over eight hundred-thousand acres of remote mountain desert
and river visitors to big-band can wander and explore to their heart's content.
But, with this freedom comes risk.
Every year park staff must rescue hikers and motorists who overestimate
themselves.
Talk to the park staff about road trail and weather conditions
plan hikes and drives within your ability take along a map
and a compass and know-how to use them make sure your footwear
and all of your gear is in good shape.
take extra water food clothing bright flash lights and a
first-aid kit just in case if you drive the back roads make
sure your vehicle is in good condition and has a good spare tire a working
jack and other emergency equipment always be sure someone knows
where you are going and when you expect return remember to obtain
a fact country use permit before heading out over
night if you do get lost or injured stay in one place to conserve water and energy.
Cell phones may not work where you go so know-how to
signal for help. Carry a whistle and a signal mirror.
If your vehicle breaks down or get stuck stay with
it is much easier for us to find a car on the road
that a person walking through the desert wildfire is a possibility in
the big-band especially when grass and shrubs are brown and dry
Wood or ground fires are not permitted in the park and some restrictions may
apply to the use of gas stove charcoal grills and cigarettes.
Check with a ranger for the latest information.
so, what about all those wild
critters take bend is paramount line country especially the
Chisos mountains but mountain lion sightings are as unusual as
they are exciting most of the lucky few who do see a lion
will be traveling in their vehicle take ben's lions are truly wild?
That means they think people are the
top predators even so never let children run ahead or
lag behind you on trails.
In the rare chance you encounter a
mountain lion when you're on foot and it moves toward you do
not run do not turn your back hold your ground.
Group together and pick up small children
wave your arms to make yourself look big and shout at the lion
doesn't go away throw rocks and sticks.
Prepared to defend yourself aggressively if need be state tax and
other objects make affective shielding report all sightings to a ranger.
Much about lions is true of our black bears, however there has never
been a case here we're a bear has attacked humans. If you encounter a bear or
pairs while on foot the best policy is to back away slowly.
Again, do not run and report all sightings?
As for other wild mammals you might see
wandering about do not allow them to get near you although they sometimes
appear tame all of them are unpredictable never feed any of Big
bins wildlife store all food coolers cooking utensils and toiletries in a
hard sided vehicle preferably in the trunk or in
your campsites bear proof box. dispose of all garbage in the
bear proof trash cans and dumpsters other animals to watch out for
especially during warm weather include venomous snakes
scorpions spiders and centipedes but your chances of being bit
are tiny as long as you pay attention to where you walk in place your hands and
you always use a flashlight at night inspect your shoes and sleeping bags or bedding
before use and consider wearing high boots while hiking but as for those
great big tarantula spiders... they are quite harmless.
Remember all wildlife in the park is protected by law last
but not least is the question of border safety when visiting the park
Big Bend national park shares one hundred eighteen miles of border with
a remote region of Mexico. although they get little
use compared to elsewhere on the border precisely because it is so rugged so
remote visitors should be aware that smuggling routes pass through the park.
If by chance you see any activity which looks illegal
suspicious or out-of-place do not intervene
withdraw and reported as quickly as possible.
A few simple steps can help keep big-Bend national park safe for everyone.