Safety and Outdoor Ethics
The Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands asks all visitors to follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics so that the land, water, air, soil and endangered wildlife are not negatively impacted by your visit.
Hiking Precautions
- Bring water
- Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return
- Read all trail head signs and follow local regulations
- Stay on the trail
- Hike in groups
- Don't hike in the dark
- Carry bear pepper spray
- Keep children within your sight
Camping Precautions
- Set up your campsite away from streams. Flash flooding can occur quickly, without warning and from storms far away from your location.
- Set up cooking and eating areas 100 yards from your sleeping area.
- Use bear resistant food containers. Store food and odorous items when not in use.
- Keep sleeping bags and tents completely free of food, beverages, and odorous items.
- Do not sleep in the clothes you cook or handle fish and game in. The odors may attract wildlife.
- Keep a flashlight and bear pepper spray readily available.
Tree Safety
Trees routinely fall in the forest. Avoid walking or camping under leaning trees, dead or partially dead trees, or trees with two tree trunks.
If You Get Lost
- Pay close attention to your surroundings and landmarks, and relate this to your location on a map.
- Stay calm if you get lost. Panic is your greatest enemy. Try to remember how you got to your present location.
- Trust your map and compass, and do not walk aimlessly. If you are on a trail, don't leave it.
- Stay put if it is nightfall, if you are injured, or if you are near exhaustion.
- As a last resort, follow a drainage or stream downhill. This can be hard going but will often lead to a trail or road.
Avoid Abandoned Mines
Mining began long before the establishment of National Forests. No one knows the exact location of all the abandoned mines in National Forests, therefore we cannot warn the public of the existence of all abandon mines.
Each year people are killed or injured in abandoned mines. Many of these structures contain dilapidated frames, open shafts, and water-filled pits. The dangers that are found in the mines include old explosives, hazardous chemicals, and wildlife. Entrance puts a person at risk for hazards such as falls and cave-ins.
Fire Safety
Before heading to the Cibola to recreate, check on any current Fire Restrictions in place on the Forest. Take a look at InciWeb for information on current incidents.
Encountering Wildlife
Encountering a Bear:
- DO NOT RUN.
- Remain calm.
- Group together and pick up small children.
- Continue to face the bear and back away slowly, talking calmly to identify yourself as a human.
- If the bear continues to approach, try to scare it away by making yourself as large and imposing as possible by stretching your arms overhead and making loud noises.
- Carry and know how to use bear spray, which is available at many outdoor retailers and can be used to deter a charging bear.
Preventative Bear Safety:
- Do not feed bears or other wildlife.
- Read all signs at trailheads.
- Stay alert, do not wear headphones and cautiously approach any blind corners.
- Carry bear spray such that it is easily accessible. Know how to use it.
- Keep a clean camp site.
- Store food or any scented items including clothing, utensils, and trash with food residues in bear safe containers.
- Try to stay in a group when possible and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
- If you see a bear, maintain a safe distance and alter your route to avoid the bear. Never block a bear’s travel route.
- If you see a cub alone, don't approach. Momma bear could be nearby.
How to avoid snake bites:
- Leave snakes alone. Do not handle, tease or harass them.
- Keep a distance of at least six feet between you and the snake.
- Stay on trails and watch where you place your hands and feet, especially when climbing or stepping over fences, large rocks and logs or when collecting firewood.
- Stay away from tall grass and piles of leaves.
- Avoid climbing on rocks or piles of wood where a snake may be hiding.
- Wear long pants and proper foot gear, especially at night.
How to treat snake bites:
- Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
- Keep the snake bite victim still, as movement helps the venom spread through the body.
- Keep the injured body part motionless and just lower than heart level.
- Keep the victim warm, calm and at rest.
- Do not allow the person to eat or drink anything.
- Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.
Mountain Lion Safety
- Do not hike alone. Go in groups, with adults supervising children.
- Avoid dawn and dusk excursions.
- Keep children close to you. Animals seem especially drawn to children.
- Pick up small children. The mountain lion will see small children as easier prey.
- Do not approach a lion. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation, so give them a way to escape.
- Do not run from a lion. Running may stimulate a mountain lion's instinct to chase.
- Do not crouch down or bend over. A human standing does not resemble a mountain lion's natural prey.
- Do all you can to appear larger. Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you are wearing one. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice.
- Fight back if attacked. Mountain lions usually try to bite the head or neck; try to remain standing and face the attacking animal.