Does this sound safe?

[Queen]

Until reading this thread it never occurred to me to be fearful of wildlife (except rattlesnakes when hiking in the desert), here in IL the biggest predator is a coyote, and they're mostly timid.

[IrishIroamed]

Until reading this thread it never occurred to me to be fearful of wildlife (except rattlesnakes when hiking in the desert), here in IL the biggest predator is a coyote, and they're mostly timid.

I actually saw a diamond back once at a stable where I used to ride. We figured he came in on a hay delivery.

There are rattlers in Illinois. They seem to be specific to areas. http://www.ehow.com/list_6776507_venomous-reptiles-illinois.html

[Bethers]

Sharon, that's one of my favorite jokes.

Sandi, your fear of humans is probably the one to be most concerned about. I don't let it stop me, but they are my biggest fear on trails also.

agreed.

They are actually my biggest fear everywhere.

[mitch5252]

..
I'll never forget the story of Meredith Emerson and this creep...

http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/gary-michael-hilton-gets-4-life-sentences/nXYP8/

..

[monik7]

..
I'll never forget the story of Meredith Emerson and this creep...

http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/gary-michael-hilton-gets-4-life-sentences/nXYP8/

..

Oh man!! I could have gone all day not reading that.
Sandi

[MelissaD]

Most national and state parks do not allow guns in the parks - so even if you are licensed to carry - their rules supersede, from what I've been told. .

http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/guns-national-parks-firearms-now-allowed-yellowstone-yosemite/story?id=9910171
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/35484383/ns/us_news-life/t/new-law-allows-loaded-guns-national-parks/#.Uzt5Yf9OWM8

Since 2010 guns are allowed in National parks. As for the States, it's up to State law. IL was the last state to allow conceal carry although a couple of states like CA, CT and NY are very restrictive.
Among U.S. states, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Vermont and Wyoming allow residents to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. These states also allow the open carry of a handgun without a permit. Vermont does not have any provision for issue of concealed-carry licenses, as none has ever been necessary.

Contrary to the media, those licensed to carry are not trigger happy.

[BarbaraRose]

Good advice Barbara. Don't run from a bear either. I have read that the very large grizzlies can't climb trees. So if a huge one gets after you try to get up a tree ...

Or make sure you can run faster than the person you are with!

[snowball]

it's been so long since I've given a bear talk...but do remember that the advice depends upon the type of bear...but I can't remember which goes with which think the brown bear you act aggressive try to be bigger yell throw stuff the griz I think you roll up into a ball and play dead personally I don't think I'd have to play dead I'd have a heart attack I think both things would be very hard to do....so be loud awhile walking carry your bear spray be in groups out run the others..
oh some trivia heard this in West Yellowstone at the big theater I think...any way they had a movie on Alaska...did you know that the polar bear can smell a female polar in heat think it was 50 miles? been awhile on that also so I may have some information mixed up
sheila