In some areas, mosquitoes are known to carry the West Nile or Triple E (eastern equine encephalitis) virus, so take precautions to avoid their bites. Ward them off with insect repellent and/or repellent-impregnated clothing. A note about DEET: Though the EPA deems this repellent to be safe, the agency also advises limiting its use and washing it off when protection is no longer needed. Before you reach for insect repellent, strike out on the trail just to see what you’ll need. Have it handy, but know that you won’t necessarily need to use it.
POISON IVY, OAK, AND SUMAC
Recognizing poison ivy, oak, and sumac and avoiding contact with them is the most effective way to prevent the painful, itchy rashes associated with these plants. In the Northeast, poison ivy ranges from a thick, tree-hugging vine to a shaded ground cover, three leaflets to a leaf; poison oak occurs as either a vine or a shrub, with three leaflets as well; and poison sumac flourishes in swampland, each leaf containing 7–13 leaflets. Urushiol, the oil in the sap of these plants, is responsible for the rash. Usually within 12–14 hours of exposure (but sometimes much later), raised lines and/or blisters will appear, accompanied by a terrible itch. Refrain from scratching because bacteria under the fingernails can cause infection. Wash and dry the rash thoroughly, applying a calamine lotion to help dry it out. If itching or blistering is severe, seek medical attention. Remember to wash not only any exposed parts of your body but also clothes, gear, and pets, as they can transmit the oil to you or someone else.
Photo: Tom Watson
Photo: Jane Huber
SNAKES
Spend some time hiking in and around Boston and you may be surprised by the variety of snakes you encounter. Most snakes sighted will be garter snakes, black racers, brown snakes, harmless water snakes, and perhaps the flashy, slender eastern ribbon snake. All but two of Massachusetts’s 14 native snake species are harmless. The state’s two venomous species, the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead, are not only shy and reclusive but also woefully rare. The most likely place you’ll see a timber rattler sunning itself is in the Blue Hills Reservation. Despite great efforts to protect them, both snakes are listed as endangered, and therefore it is illegal to harass, kill, collect, or possess them. To calm your fears or add interest to your hiking experience, consider spending a few minutes studying snakes before heading into the woods. If you do have the good fortune of spotting a snake while hiking, treat it with respect: give it a wide berth, and let it go its way.
Photo: Jane Huber
The best rule is to leave all snakes alone, giving them plenty of space as you hike past and making sure any hiking companions (including dogs) do the same. When hiking, stick to well-used trails, and wear over-the-ankle boots and loose-fitting long pants. Do not step or put your hands beyond your range of detailed visibility, and avoid wandering around in the dark. Step onto logs and rocks, never over them, and be especially careful when climbing rocks. Always avoid walking through dense brush or willow thickets.
TICKS
Ticks are often found on brush and tall grass, where they seem to be waiting to hitch a ride on a warm-blooded passerby. Adult ticks are most active April–May and again October–November. Among the varieties of ticks, the black-legged tick, commonly called the deer tick, is the primary carrier of Lyme disease. Wear light-colored clothing to make it easier for you to spot ticks before they migrate to your skin. At the end of the hike, visually check your hair, the back of your neck, your armpits, and your socks. During your posthike shower, take a moment to do a more complete body check.
For ticks that are already embedded, removal with tweezers is best. Grasp the tick close to your skin, and remove it by pulling straight out firmly. Do your best to remove the head, but do not twist. Use disinfectant solution on the wound. Don’t panic if you are bit by a tick, but do respond quickly. Ticks need to be embedded for 24–48 hours to transmit any toxins. And even after that, you have about a week to begin an antibiotic regimen to ward off infection. If you see the telltale bull’s-eye rash around the bite, contact your doctor. Try to save the tick itself in a plastic bag for identification if you can.
Hunting
Separate rules, regulations, and licenses govern the various types of hunting (bow, shotgun, and black powder) and related seasons. Though there are generally no problems, hikers may wish to forgo trips during late fall, when the woods suddenly seem filled with orange and camouflage. At the very least, be cautious, wear hunter orange, and stay on the trails. Hunting is allowed in many state forests and parks throughout Massachusetts, including the following that are profiled in this book:
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Here are the official hunting rules and regulations as spelled out on the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) website:
Hunting is allowed in many state forests and parks, as well as DCR watershed properties. It is good practice to contact the individual park or forest to learn about special regulations before you arrive.
Hunters must comply with all relevant hunting laws and regulations. Additional hunting regulations specific to DCR properties include:
HUNTING HOURS
Hunting hours are generally 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, with the following exceptions: