Conor Watkins' Ozark Mountain Experience
Article 13

Outdoor Hazards And Safety

View of the Big Piney and bluffs overlooking the town of Devil's Elbow, MO
Although scenic, one must be careful in the great outdoors.  The bluffs represent
a falling hazard and the river below can also be dangerous.

The recent armed assault/robbery on thirteen UMR students at ‘Marsh’s Place’ on National Forest land just south of Lane Spring shows that trips to enjoy the Missouri outdoors can end with trouble.  In this case, the hazards were other people, but there are plenty of natural hazards just as dangerous.

Perhaps the most common problem experienced in the outdoors is sunburn.  Sunburn is not life threatening except in extremely severe cases and is generally more of an annoyance.  Sunburn has been linked to skin cancer later in life but is easily preventable.  A sunscreen of SPF 15 is adequate for most people but SPF 30 or 45 might be in order for those experiencing extended exposures or those with fair skin.  A suggested sunscreen is a brand called “NO-AD” which stands for “Not Advertised.”  This brand, which is available at Wal-Mart, is cheap, comes in a large bottle, and works just as well as any of the more expensive name brands.

Perhaps the next most common summertime hazards are bug bites such as those from mosquitoes, chiggers, and ticks.  The first two have bites that mainly itch and are more of an annoyance.  Mosquitoes do carry diseases such as West Nile but contrary to the news media hype, this is relatively rare in Missouri.  On the other hand, ticks are a parasite that can carry diseases such as Lyme’s Disease, which can be fatal if not treated properly.  Using any form of bug repellent can drastically reduces bug bites and the risk of diseases.  There are many choices from which to choose but types containing the chemical DEET tend to work best.  Other stinging and biting bugs such as spiders and bee/wasp/hornets can cause severe reactions and death.  Be aware of dserious spider bites and carry the appropriate medicine if allergic to stinging insects.

Venomous snakes are another hazard to be aware of when enjoying the Ozarks.  The majority of Missouri's snake are not poisonous but several species are dangerous.  Missouri is home to at least one species of copperhead, several species of rattlesnake, and the western cottonmouth.  The western cottonmouth is commonly called the "water moccasin" as it likes to live near bodies of water.  The coral snake is also present in far southern Missouri but is relatively rare.  Snakes generally do not bite unless they feel threatened.  Such can occur when a snake is captured or accidentally stepped upon and are generally more scared of humans than we are of them.  The author observed a good example of this during near miss with a snakebite.  A a fellow hiker came within inches of stepping on a rattlesnake and was unaware of the situation until it was brought to his attention.  The snake simply slithered off of the trail.  It did not rattle or appear threatening.  Those wanting to avoid snakebite shouldn't pick up logs or rocks in the woods by hand, as snakes like to hide under these natural shelters.  It is also a good idea to wear jeans and sturdy boots when in an area sknown to have snakes.  Several species of harmless snakes resemble venemous varieties to the untrained eye.  Contrary to popular myths, most snakes observed swimming in lakes and rivers are harmless.

One potentially hazardous and common element brought to the outdoors is fire.  Flames from the fire, hot coals, hot food, or hot water can burn people.  Sparks can start a forest fire.  To prevent such accidents, always watch fires and make sure they are put out when leaving.

Bonfire at the Fall 2002 MVOR, an event for cavers
Fires are commonly enjoyed in the great outdoors but
can be hazardous if one isn't careful.

Other less obvious, but potentially deadly fire dangers, are carbon monoxide and rock explosions.  Carbon monoxide is produced during non-ideal (incomplete) combustion of hydrocarbon-based materials.  It bonds with red blood cells much easier than oxygen.  Even small concentrations can displace vital oxygen in the bloodstream and cause death.  For those who watched Survivor II, one of the contestants was badly burned when he passed out from carbon monoxide and fell into the fire.  Rock explosions occur when water contained within rocks boils and turns to steam.  Because it is under very high pressure, this steam will blow rocks apart into fragments traveling as fast as bullets.  Do not put rocks around fires that have been wet as they can blow without warning and send dangerous shrapnel in all directions.  Chert, a rock common in Missouri creek/river beds, is highly explosive and breaks into sharp, angular fragments.  Objects such as empty beer bottles with the cap put back on can also explode when thrown into a fire.  On another note, if rocks are to be intentionally used in a fire for a sauna, they need to be crystalline igneous rocks or metamorphic rocks derived from igneous rocks.  These types of rocks are free of pores and cracks in which moisture can hide.

Flash floods are not uncommon after heavy rains in the Ozarks.  A dry creek can come up in minutes and become very dangerous.  Flash floods are also a hazard in underground caves.  Caves are created by flowing water and some act as natural storm sewers by collecting water from sinkholes and fractures in surface bedrock.

Storms can also produce lightning, hail, and high winds.  When in a storm, try to take cover and stay away from high points.  These points are more likely to be struck by lightning and tend to be hit with more wind than other locations.  When enjoying the outdoors, keep an eye on the weather.  When going into caves that fill with water, make sure there is no chance of rain since there is no way to keep tabs on the weather once underground.

If in a canoe on a river, pull out of the river during a lightning storm and try to find cover.  Stay away from a metal canoe and other metallic objects as they might attract lightning.  If it is a small river, be sure not to float in a flash flood, as these tend to be more variable than larger streams.  While floating a river, one will notice the mounds of logs and other debris deposited high above normal water level by floods. 

Also be aware of fallen logs, sharp bends, and rocks that create unusual currents.  Currents can be strong and drown even the best swimmer.  If unsure of the conditions or your swimming ability, make sure to wear a personal floatation device.  Alcohol can affect your ability to handle a canoe and swimming ability so it is best to pick a relatively slow river if drinking and floating.  Also be aware of water depth and debris when jumping into water, such as off bluffs, rocks, or trees.

Floaters on the Meramec River
Although a good source of fun, float trips can turn dangerous if one isn't careful.

Always be aware of water depth when jumping from trees, rocks, or bluffs.

If fishing, be careful with hooks.  Lures caught in trees or rocks can come loose when yanked and fly at high speeds.  Glasses are a good precaution to make sure eyes are not hit by hooks/lures.  Some fish such as catfish have sharp barbs.  If dealing with such fish wear gloves and/or handle the fish with behind the barbs.  Catfish have one barb on top and one on each side.

Some colder weather hazards are hypothermia and frostbite.  Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature drops to a level where muscles and the human mind do not work as intended.  This condition can be harmful or fatal if not treated by warming the body up to normal temperature.  Hypothermia can also be a problem during the summer if in cold, spring fed streams or caves without the proper clothing.  When outside in the cold, make sure to wear warm clothing that will channel sweat away from the body.  Make sure that hands, ears, toes, etc. are covered in very cold weather as frostbit can result in the removal of damaged fingers, toes, and ears.  Also be careful on frozen lakes and streams.  Thin ice is a danger that can lead to death by drowning and/or hypothermia.

Heatstroke is another temperature induced hazard that can be fatal.  Symptoms include the inability to sweat when overheated and confusion.  Those with symptoms of heatstrole should be moved to a cooler locations.  Extreme cases should be hospitalized as the body can lose its ability to regulate tempurature and continue to overheat even when placed in a cooler environment.

Falls pose a danger in the Ozarks because of the rugged topography.  Many trails and overlooks come very close to steep slopes and sharp drop-offs.  Such hazards are common near bluffs and sinkholes.  To avoid falling over edges or sliding down slopes, do not get too close to sharp drop-offs.  Be aware of loose rock or leaves that might not give stable footings/handholds while climbing.  If participating in technical climbing, make sure the proper gear and safety measures are being used.  When mountain biking, make sure a helmet is used.

Picture of the Adam Britt Mountain Bike Race held on the Kaintuck Trail near Newburg, MO
It is always a good idea to wear a helmet in case of falls or crashes.

Black bear, mountain lion, and wild boar are recent re-introductions to Missouri’s outdoors.  Most of the bear migrated north from Arkansas and are concentrated south of the Missouri River.  Bear are usually scared of humans and don’t usually attack.  If a bear feels threatened or that its cubs are threatened, it will attack.  Never get between a bear and its cubs.  If a bear is spotted, slowly back up while making lots of noise.  Bears tend to chase those who run away quickly.  Never feed a wild bear as it will lose its fear of humans and possibly attack them.  Although bears only number in the hundreds, some have been spotted in Phelps County and one was even captured in Babler State Park, near suburban St. Louis.  There is currently no hunting season for bear.

Wild boar are mean, a menace to native flora and fauna, spread disease, and are damaging to agriculture.  There are no limits to the hunting of these animals and the Missouri Conservation Departments wants as many as possible eliminated due to their nuisance status.  These animals will attack hunters and the Missouri Conservation Department suggests using a powerful gun with multiple shot capacity.  The .44 Magnum pistol, 12-gage shotgun loaded with slugs, or a .30-06 (or similar) rifle seem to be weapons of choice for these animals.  It is common for hunters to be chased by injured boar.  Some of these animals originated from Arkansas, some escaped from game ranches, and others are simply domestic pigs that escaped and became wild.  These animals resemble anything from a domestic pig to the Arkansas Razorbacks symbol.  Isolated sightings have been reported across southern Missouri, but the highest concentrations tend to be located in and around Ft. Leonard Wood.  For more information, see http://www.conservation.state.mo.us/hunt/hogs/.

Mountain lions (also known as cougar and puma) are very rare in Missouri and it is thought that there are not enough animals for a self-sustaining breeding population to develop.  A few have come from Arkansas but there is no concentration of these animals in any particular section of the state.  Most are thought to have escaped from or been let loose by those keeping them as pets.  As for dealing with mountain lions, follow the same advice suggested for the bears.

If hunting, make sure to wear orange to identify yourself to other hunters.  Also be sure of your target before shooting and be sure that your bullet or arrow will not hit any people or property if it passes through or misses its intended target.  Although hunting involves dangerous weapons, most hunters are responsible so the risk of being injured is actually very low compared to most everyday activities such as driving.  If carrying a weapon for hunting or defense while in the outdoors, make sure to adhere with all federal, state, and local laws.  Also be aware that lands administered by the National Park Service may have extra restrictions relating to weapons.  Always make sure to ask permission before hunting on private lands.

"One Too Many Blue Screens of Death!"
Always be aware of what is behind your target.

Accidents can happen anywhere at anytime but the outdoors are a fun and safe environment for everyone if common sense and respect are exercised.