![]() Kirke Wrench You are responsible for your safety.Natural areas present hazards. Cold temperatures, icy or uneven ground, wild animals, biting insects, and changing weather all pose dangers. Rocks roll, trees topple, and limbs drop without warning. People create other hazards with campfires, traffic, snowplay, and poor decisions. The National Park Service works to reduce risks, but your safety is in your own hands. Keep alert. Read warnings and ask a ranger for advice. Falling Objects Trees and branches have been falling frequently, possibly due to the drought and beetle damage.Branches may fall whether or not they appear dead, even when there is no wind, so avoidance is the safest response.
Dangerous Rivers! Air Quality Carbon Monoxide Plague, Hantavirus, and Other Diseases Biting Insects and Ticks Mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus and other diseases. Human illness is uncommon, but take steps to avoid mosquito bites. Effective repellents include DEET, IR3535, Picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus (Para-menthane-diol); learn before you come about how to use them safely and effectively. Locations and numbers of insects vary by season and year to year. Be prepared! Giardia ![]() NPS Poison Oak Hypothermia Mountain Lions ![]() Donald Quintana
Rattlesnakes Trail Safety Drinking Water Keep Animals Safe Illegal Activities Weapons and Firearms in the Parks Discharge of a firearm or weapon is prohibited within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. As of February 22, 2010, federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park. As of January 1, 2013, California law prohibits the open carry of any firearm within the parks. Persons otherwise permitted to possess firearms (in general) may possess a concealed firearm with a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm (CCW) from California. A CCW from another state does not apply. Weapons (including, but not limited to, BB, Pellet and Paint Guns, Bow/Arrow, Slingshots, Bear Spray and other compressed gas irritant devices) are illegal to possess. Federal law also prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park; those places are marked with signs at all public entrances. This also applies to concealed firearms with a valid CCW. It is the responsibility of park visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. As a starting point, please visit the State of California Penal Code web site (see Part 6 - Control of Deadly Weapons). |
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Last updated: July 26, 2019