October 2025

Use group presence, loud posture, and steady eye contact to keep a mountain lion from viewing you as prey while hiking.

To handle bear encounters while hiking, stay calm, speak firmly, back away slowly, and deploy bear spray only if a bear approaches within range.

To display hiking medallions, choose a layout, prep a safe backing, and mount with pins or archival-safe adhesives in a sealed frame or case.

Give snakes space, scan the trail, leash pets, and back away slowly; these habits cut rattlesnake risk while hiking.

When you meet a rattlesnake on a hike, pause, give space, and back away slowly to end the encounter safely.

Use bear spray, hike in groups, manage food and noise, and respond correctly to each species to prevent bear trouble on the trail.

To remove odor from hiking boots, clean insoles, wash liners, dry fully, and use odor absorbers to stop smells from returning.

To deter bears while hiking, make noise, carry bear spray, store food well, and give bears space to avoid conflict.

On hikes, manage ticks with repellent, treated clothing, clear paths, and fast removal with fine tweezers.

Brush off dirt, wash with footwear cleaner, rinse, air-dry, and reproof to keep waterproof hiking boots beading water.