Safety First

Often people stay indoors, or keep children indoors, for safety reasons. Fears of poisonous plants and animals sometimes rob folks of the freedom and joy they could experience outdoors. Here is some basic information that can help you avoid potential hazards and put your fears to rest.

Poison Ivy

Poison ivy is common along wood edges and clearings. The best protection is to know how to recognize it, then avoid touching it. Poison ivy has three leaflets (parts to a leaf) arranged roughly like a triangle. The vine has coarse "hairs" growing out from both sides of the stem. Be especially careful not to burn any poison ivy vines in a campfire; smoke carries the oil that causes irritation. Three more tips: (1) Stay on the trail while hiking; (2) Keep your dog on a leash so it doesn't go running through a poison ivy patch and bring the oils back to you; and (3) Wear long slacks while exploring nature, even in the summer. What to do if you come in contact with poison ivy? If you can find a jewelweed plant, crush the stem and wash the contact area with jewelweed juice. Otherwise, wash the area several times with cool water and a strong soap like Fels-Naptha as soon as you can. You can also buy skin products (Tecnu is a respected brand) that can be used to prevent poison ivy reactions. Poison oak and poison sumac do not occur in the woods and fields around Cincinnati. That common vine with five leaflets is Virginia Creeper and it does not contain allergenic oil. The red-berried sumacs found here are not poisonous.

Stinging Nettle

This fairly common plant grows in moist soil and can be found near creeks, river bottoms, and low damp areas in the woods. The "sting" comes from fine white "hairs" that are visible on the stem and the underside of the leaves. Once you learn to identify the plant, it is easy to avoid. If you should get stung, it helps to remember that the itch will go away in about twenty minutes.

Stinging Insects

Yes, wasps, hornets and bees will sting in defense of their nests. However, most are not aggressive, and will leave you alone as long as you are at least a few feet away from their nest and not disturbing it in any way. The one exception is the yellowjacket hornet. Typically ground-nesting, these hornets aggressively defend their nest, and become most likely to sting from July through September. When you are hiking or playing outdoors, scan the area for signs of flying insects coming and going from a spot on the ground � then avoid that spot. Again, by staying on the trail as you hike, you dramatically reduce your chances of an unpleasant encounter. If you picnic outside during "yellowjacket season," check your food before putting it in your mouth � and shake off any stray hornets looking for a handout. Without a nest to defend, they typically won't sting unless you touch them first.

Venomous Snakes

Relax; there are no venomous snakes in Greater Cincinnati. Except for captive pets kept in aquariums by collectors, venomous snakes in this area were wiped out by people over 70 years ago. Small numbers remain in places with sparse human populations, like Adams County, so be careful if you travel to wilder locations. Venomous snakes are typically non- aggressive and prone to hiding. Unless you step on one or put your hand on it while rock-climbing, you are not likely to be bitten. One good general tip: if you are lifting up a rock or log to see what's hiding under it, always lift so that the opening is away from you, not pointing towards you. Then be sure to put the rock or log back gently in the same place. Be courteous to insects and wildlife you find there.

A friend might tell you they saw a Cottonmouth in a local river. What they really saw was most likely a Northern Water Snake. While sometimes aggressive, these snakes are not poisonous. The venomous cottonmouth occurs from southern Illinois southward.

Just in case you're wondering what it is like to be bitten by a nonvenomous snake: startling and scary of course, but most like being snagged by a rose bush. If you are bitten, cleanse the wound thoroughly. If you have any concerns, seek medical attention.

Sick Wild Animals

Rabies has not been found in Greater Cincinnati's wildlife for some time. However, distemper does occur sometimes, especially in raccoons and fox. Teach children that healthy wild animals are afraid of people. "Friendly" or "sleepy" animals out during the day or that do not run away from people, are sick and should not be approached. If they are too sick to run away, they are also too sick to attack people. If you see such an animal in the neighborhood, call the SPCA or county animal control so it can picked up.

Don't worry about catching Bird Flu from birds � all instances are in Asia, in people who literally live with their chickens. You might possibly see birds sick with conjunctivitis (an eye disease) or West Nile virus. These diseases do not normally spread to humans, but it's still best to not pick up or handle sick or dead birds. To avoid the chance of West Nile Disease, wear mosquito repellent when you are out in wet areas or at dusk in summer. If you go tramping though fields in warm weather, check for ticks when you get home, just in case. These are more likely to be found in rural areas; very rarely is one found in a city park.

Big Scary Animals

Healthy wild animals � fox, deer, raccoons, opossums, woodchucks, etc. � run away from humans. Some animals have become used to us, but they still do not attack � they are just slower to move away. Skunks typically do not spray unless seriously provoked. Lions, tigers & bears � oh my? They do not occur in Greater Cincinnati.

Coyotes have moved east, and are now in many of our parks. However, they do not attack people. They eat mice, mostly. Don't permit your tiny toy dog to run loose in natural areas, or leave a small infant alone on the ground for a long time and you'll have nothing to worry about.

Germs

Dirt is really not that dirty. Germs travel from person to person, and very few things in nature are able to transmit diseases to people. Touching rocks, logs (even rotting ones), leaves, moss, a shed snake skin or discarded feather will not give you "germs," and is safer than touching a store or school door-handle. Things you should not touch bare-handed: mushrooms you can't identify and human litter. Also, if you are exploring a creek, it's best to use a hand wipe or hand sanitizer afterward. Very few creeks are completely pollution-free.

So, there you have it - a run-down of the most common fears and perils associated with the natural world..not that bad! No doubt there are more dangerous things under your neighbor's kitchen sink! With just a little knowledge and common sense, you can explore the outdoors with confidence. Hope to see you out in the woods and the fields! Enjoy!

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