[at-l] Rabies & hiking

[nickpvb at bellsouth.net (Mark)]

We need to widen and pave over the trails and ban hiking.  Hikers with 
rabies are costing this country millions in medical and legal fees! ;)
Mark

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <bluetrail@aol.com>
To: <at-L@backcountry.net>
Sent: Wednesday, June 08, 2005 9:57 AM
Subject: [at-l] Rabies & hiking


Just read in the local paper that there have been 16 reports of attacks on 
humans and pets by rabid animals (raccoons, possum, bobcat, otter) in my 
very small county since January 1.  According to the newspaper, 16 is an 
unusally high number of attacks.  About two years ago a rabid bobcat 
seriously attacked a first-time solo hiker in my county; the same bobcat 
also attacked the ranger who came to assist the hiker and the ranger's 
vehicle.

I often take short hikes alone after work (7 trailheads within 20 minutes of 
my house), and I plan to continue to take those late day hikes.  I do NOT 
want to hike with a gun, nor am I trained to use one.  I know to avoid 
animals with suspicious behavior, but what in the world should one do if 
something like a bobcat attacks you?  I'm guessing I'd use my hiking poles 
to try to beat it away.  Any other suggestions?  It's enough to make me 
carry a cell phone.

Joan
bluetrail@aol.com