Hiking is a popular activity for residents and tourists in Maine. More than three million people visit Maine’s 48 state parks and historic sites each year. Hikers enjoy many benefits, such as improved physical conditioning and mental wellness. However, several potential dangers exist for individuals hiking in Maine. By familiarizing themselves with these dangers, hikers can prepare and decrease the risk of accidents and injuries.
Maine is home to several dangerous insects, such as 14 tick species, which include the brown dog, lone star, and deer tick. These bugs can carry dangerous, potentially fatal diseases, such as babesiosis and Lyme disease. Hikers must dress appropriately when traveling in areas that may be infested by ticks. This includes wearing long pants that are tucked into socks, leaving no skin exposed. It can also be helpful to dress in light colored clothing, which makes it easier to identify ticks. Hikers should also avoid walking through damp, heavily wooded areas and thoroughly check themselves for ticks after hiking.
Mosquitoes are another disease-carrying insect that can trouble hikers, particularly during wet summers. Mosquitoes are most active in June. Hikers should wear insect repellent and consider hiking around midday when mosquitoes are less prevalent.
Maine is home to several large animals as well. Black bears are a rare sight for most Maine residents, but not uncommon in the northern part of the state. Like most animals, bears prefer to steer clear of humans. As long as hikers make noise and properly store food, bears will likely head in the opposite direction before hikers see them. Black bears, in particular, are unlikely to disturb large hiking groups, one of many reasons hikers should never hike alone. Hikers who find themselves near a black bear should remain calm and not run. Instead, they should slowly raise their arms overhead and make loud vocal noises until the bear wanders off.
Hikers can also have dangerous encounters with non-predatory animals, such as moose. Human injuries and deaths with moose usually involve car accidents, but moose are also dangerous when encountered on the hiking trail. The animals are known for their short tempers, especially mothers with young moose. Hikers should make their presence known so as not to startle a moose. Otherwise, they should slowly move in the opposite direction. If the moose becomes aggressive and charges, hikers should seek shelter behind a rock or tree or, if possible, inside a vehicle. Moose are not carnivores, so curling into a ball and playing dead may cause the animal to lose interest. Other animals hikers may encounter in Maine include coyotes and porcupines.
Hikers must also appreciate the challenges the weather poses. Hiking trails in Maine receive extensive rainfall in April. However, spring is an ideal time of year for hikers to visit the state’s many waterfalls, as long as they are aware of any flash flood warnings.
Maine summers are typically mild, but on hot days, hikers should pack extra water or wait for the temperature to drop. Temperatures are regularly below freezing during the winter months, and trails can be snowed out.
