Dangers of the North Woods – A to Z
For generations many human beings have lived in fear of the forest. Wild animals threatened our early ancestors, and robbers, cutthroats and enemies lurked behind every tree. The woodsman had to rescue Red Riding Hood after she initially met the beast in a woods.
Goldilocks took a walk in the woods where she came across the home of the three bears (which she consequently burgled and vandalized.) Werewolves inhabiting the forests abound in the imaginations of writers and their readers. It is no wonder this fear of the ‘wild’ is so prevalent? However, for many of us, the bush, the forest, the woods, the wild—it doesn’t matter what it is named—is a friendly place that poses minimal risks that are far outweighed by the enjoyment it provides.
Below are listed 26 items, A to Z, which may be considered a danger, danger related or worthy of mention while traveling in the bush.
Ankles – The Canadian Shield is known for its exposed rock and rough terrain which results in twisted or bruised ankles of those who insist on traversing the bush in street shoes. The biggest protection against this type of injury is a decent pair of boots that offer non-slip soles and that are high enough to protect against bruised and battered ankles.
Beaver Fever – This is an intestinal infection also known as Giardiasis. It is passed from animals to humans in water making it advisable to boil all drinking water for at least a minute. Just because the water looks clean enough to drink doesn’t mean it is.
Carnivores – Your chances of getting killed by a carnivore in the bush are less than winning a big lottery twice in the same year. This is not to say you shouldn’t be concerned with the bear, wild cat or wolf you encounter. About the worst thing you can do is scream and run away. When confronting a lone bear, stand tall, back away, and talk tough. Better still, read a pamphlet produced by the Ministry of Natural Resources covering this topic.
Deer Mice – People have been sweeping the droppings of these handsome little rodents from their cabins and bedclothes for generations. However, it has been found that hantaviruses, the cause of potentially fatal diseases, is present in the droppings and urine of some of these rodents. Sometimes during a vigorous cleanup campaign, airborne particles are inhaled and the disease—which doesn’t affect the mice—is transmitted to humans. This is not new to the area but health authorities are advising people to take precautions.
Eagles – the only time you would have trouble with these magnificent raptors is if you were a sick or dead fish, or other carrion.
First aid – It is wise to pack one of these kits. Even small ones contain disinfectant salves and bandages.
Ground hogs – By themselves these rodents are harmless but you wouldn’t want to step in one of their burrows. Keeping your eyes open for this and other footing hazards. Algae covered rocks on the shoreline are about the slipperiest footing you will ever encounter. In the winter, water sometimes freezes on rocky slopes before the snow falls and remains a footing hazard long after it is covered with snow.
Heat- It has been found that birds can handle cold much more than heat. Walking in the bush is good exercise and like all good exercise sometimes results in working up a good sweat. Wear layers of clothing and remember that the water you lose has to be replaced.
Ice – This can be very dangerous. Anyone walking on a lake or pond must remember that while the air temperature is a very crispy –35C, the temperature of the water below the ice is above 0C. Put a nice insulating layer of snow on the ice and the ice can become even more dangerous. Carrying a walking stick in situations like this is recommended.
Jays—Gray jays have the nickname ‘camp robber’ because of their penchant for stealing morsels of food. However, they aren’t the only thieves you will meet in the north woods. Foxes are notorious for stealing everything from baseball caps and golf balls, to boots and socks that are left out to dry. Our friends the black bears will steal garbage and food supplies if they are not properly stored.
Killer deer – Many people will be surprised to learn that Bambi’s mother or father will attack if provoked, and in some cases the provocation doesn’t have to be too obvious. Those hooves can inflict considerable damage. Deer are wild creatures and deserve their space. Keep in mind that our wild animals are not in a petting zoo.
Light – The life-giving light that comes from the sun is also a killer. Whether at the beach, on the water fishing, or in the bush hiking, protect yourself from the sun with appropriate clothing and sunblock.
Mosquitoes and black flies – The scourges of the Boreal Forest have to be these two biters. Many a good adventure has been spoiled by the insistence of these insects to share part of you. Don’t leave home without protection.
Night – The only danger in the bush at night (outside of insects) is that you might fall and injure yourself. The night is as friendly as the day and with a full moon or starry sky dancing with Northern Lights, it can be just as beautiful and intriguing. If there are ghosts that inhabit the woods at night, they are friendly ones.
Otters – These tough, playful carnivores can present hours of entertainment. However, they pose no danger even though they are feisty enough to take on a beaver… and win.
Poison Ivy – Know what it looks like so you can avoid it. If you are one of those people who react strongly to the plant, you already know what it looks like.
Quicksand – While we have very little of that if any, we do have something close. During the building of the Trans-Canada Railway, engineers had to change routes at times because of the seemingly bottomless peat bogs. These present no problem unless you are planning to build a railway or a highway. For the student of nature, bogs present a very interesting habitat.
Rats – Well, we have muskrats and that brings us to beavers. Although neither of these are a danger, those who take along a feisty dog are cautioned against allowing Fido to tangle with a beaver. Many a dog has had the advantage on land when battling these slow-moving rodents, but in the water the tables turn. Beavers are capable of removing a piece of leg bone as easily as taking a chunk out of a waterside birch.
Skunks – For those with sensitive olfactory organs, Mephitis mephitis is no stranger. This stout cat-sized ominivore is considered one of the most useful of animals because of its penchant for grubs, mice and other small rodents. While most predators learn to steer clear of skunks, great horned horned owls regularly feast on them.
Turtles – While the snapping turtle can be extremely vicious and defensive if disturbed on land, in water it would rather swim than fight. In some areas, turtle hunters will wade along river banks reaching their bare hands under the overhangs in order to feel and pull out snappers. Only rarely are they bitten.
Underwater – Unfortunately, too many people lose their lives to Northern Ontario waters each year. Most of these could have been avoided by wearing an approved lifejacket. Personally, I never paddle without one.
Very cold weather – Hypothermia is a condition cautioned by the gradual lowering of body temperature. Avoiding hypothermia requires several simple precautions. Dress for the weather, eat, drink water, and rest frequently. Food helps campers maintain energy levels and stay warm. Overexertion can make hikers weak and wet with perspiration. Dressing in layers also reduces the risk of frostbite.
Whistles – Losing North on the compass can be embarrassing (personal experience) and in some cases downright dangerous. Make sure someone is aware where you will be hiking. Carry a map if one is available, and always pack a compass. If lost, there is an accepted international signal for help or assistance needed, and that is the number three. Three blasts of a shotgun, three smoking fires, three fallen trees lying side by side, three piles of rocks or three blasts from a referee whistle. Of course if in need and if capable, you can always yell “HELP” but a shrill whistle is much more easily heard from a greater distance and doesn’t take as much energy.
X-Rays – see A for ‘ankle’ above.
Y – This letter reminds me of Yolanda Fortesque who chased me though the forest when I was ten years old resulting in psychological scars that exist to this day. Besides, towards the end of the alphabet it becomes increasingly difficult to find the right words.
Zelda – A certain mountain man always carried his carbine, a weapon he affectionately named Zelda to save him from ‘fierce critters.’ I too have a friend called Zelda that I often carry with me. No, Zelda is not a weapon but rather my spotting scope, and while I can’t shoot anything with her, I can use her to increase my enjoyment of the outdoors ten-fold. And, if the need arises, I can use her tripod to shoot pictures.
By Phil Burke
