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SAFETY CONCERNS ON THE GRASSLANDS |
| Last modified November 11, 2002 | ||
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However, there are several situations that can cause significant personal injury. Just being aware of these possibilities will substantially reduce your chance of being injured. These are briefly discussed below, but you are encouraged to consult first aid manuals or other references for more information.
Sunstroke & sunburn
Severe weather
Rattlesnake
Fires and cigarettes
Ticks
Cactus
Porcupine
Livestock
Trespassing
The grassland region is one of the safest parts of the world for recreationists. There are no animals that can eat you, and very few dangerous natural features.
Through June and July, the temperature can often soar to 35 C (95 F) in the shade. That's a little joke - there is no shade! Wear a hat and sunscreen, and carry at least two litres (quarts) of water per person. Get in the habit of making an early start, and relaxing during the afternoon.
Tornados and hailstorms can be serious. If you see tall clouds developing, tune in to the local radio station for weather advisories.
Prevention is important and easy: keep hands out of holes, and pay particular attention when walking DOWN steep slopes. (Snakes can lie hidden under overhanging rocks.) If you should be bitten, remember that snake bites are not fatal. Calmly move away from the snake, and do not try to kill or catch it. Go to the hospital, even if you don't feel too bad. Rattlesnakes seem to travel in pairs quite often, so if you find one, keep watch behind you for its friend.
Grassfires are a constant worry to range managers. The grass, even if it is brown, means important income for the ranchers. When camping, use gas stoves and avoid open fires. Smoke only on roads or inside your vehicle, and never throw the butts on the ground.
Ticks are generally active in spring, before the weather gets really warm. Ticks can transmit disease, so it can be useful to know exactly where it attacked you. For that reason, your are encouraged to mark its location with a pen before removing it. Then, simply pull it off with slow, steady pressure while holding it as close to your skin as possible. More heroic methods involving heat and chemicals do not work.
What can we say? It is a pain, but just pull the spines out! I wear shoes with leather insteps to keep the spines away.
Cactus and porcupines are just two reasons to keep your dog on a short leash.
Here is another reason to use a leash, even if no one is around. Avoid livestock, and especially avoid "calling" to them. Like other wild animals, range cattle may be quite frightened by you, so try to stay out of their line of sight.
Much of the grassland appears unused by people, but it is all leased to someone. Visit the county or rural municipality office to find out who owns or leases the land, and contact that person. If you can't find the rancher, confine your activities to one of the areas that is signed for public access.
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