Watchwords for Flora & Fauna
Hikers should remain aware of the following concerns regarding plant life and wildlife, described in alphabetical order.
BLACK BEARS: Though attacks by black bears are uncommon, they have occurred around Charlotte. The highest concentration of black bears will be found in the western part of the region that is closest to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and also to the east in the Uwharrie National Forest.
The sight or approach of a bear can give anyone a start, but if you encounter a bear while hiking, remain calm and avoid running in any direction. Make loud noises to scare off the bear, and back away slowly. In primitive and remote areas, assume bears are present; in more developed sites, check on the current bear situation prior to hiking. Most encounters are food-related, as bears have an exceptional sense of smell and not particularly discriminating tastes. While this is of greater concern to backpackers and campers, on a day hike you may plan a lunchtime picnic or will munch on an energy bar or other snack from time to time. So remain alert and be particularly cautious about going on a hike or camping after grilling meat. Often the smoke and the smell will get in your hair and on your clothes, and this has been known to be the cause of bear attacks in the past.
BLACK FLIES: Though these insects are certainly pests and maddeningly annoying, the worst a black fly will cause is an itchy welt. They are most active April–June, during the day, and especially before thunderstorms, as well as during the morning and evening hours. Insect repellent has some effect, but the only way to keep out of their swarming midst is to keep moving.
MOSQUITOES: They’re certainly a problem in and around Charlotte during the warmer months. During the early spring, the mosquitoes haven’t emerged in their full numbers. After the first freeze of the winter, the population is seriously reduced. This makes fall and spring particularly pleasant times to hike and be free of the pestering and itch-inducing buggers. Ward off these pests with insect repellent and/or repellent-impregnated clothing.
Another great way to keep your sanity and avoid being bitten is to wear gloves and a head net. A net draped over a wide-brimmed hat works especially well for keeping all bugs from landing on your face and the back of your neck. In some areas, mosquitoes are known to carry the West Nile virus, so all due caution should be taken to avoid their bites.
POISON IVY, OAK, AND SUMAC: Recognizing and avoiding these plants are the most effective ways to prevent the painful, itchy rashes associated with them. Poison ivy occurs as a vine or groundcover, 3 leaflets to a leaf; poison oak occurs as a vine or shrub, also with 3 leaflets; and poison sumac flourishes in swampland, each leaf having 7–13 leaflets. Urushiol, the oil in the sap of these plants, is responsible for the rash. Within 14 hours of exposure, raised lines and/or blisters will appear on the affected area, accompanied by a terrible itch.
Try not to scratch if you can—bacteria under your fingernails can cause an infection. Wash and dry the affected area thoroughly, applying a calamine lotion to help dry out the rash. If itching or blistering is severe, seek medical attention. If you do come into contact with one of these plants, remember that oil-contaminated clothes, hiking gear, and pets can easily cause an irritating rash on you or someone else, so wash not only any exposed parts of your body but also any exposed clothes, gear, and pets.
SNAKES: Rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, copperheads, and corals are among the most common venomous snakes in the United States. Their hibernation season is typically October–April. Rattlesnakes like to bask in the sun and won’t bite unless threatened.
In the regions described in this book, you will possibly encounter western diamondback rattlesnakes, timber and pygmy rattlers, cottonmouths (water moccasins), and copperheads. However, the snakes you most likely will see while hiking will be nonvenomous species and subspecies. The best rule is to leave all snakes alone, give them a wide berth as you hike past, and make sure any hiking companions (including dogs) do the same.
HIGH SHOAL FALLS, SOUTH MOUNTAINS STATE PARK
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. Rattlesnakes and copperheads are often found on sunny spots atop rocks, while cottonmouths are likely to be found near lakeshores and along the banks of rivers and creeks.
TICKS: These arachnids 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 (deer) tick is the primary carrier of Lyme disease. As a precaution, wear light-colored clothing, which makes it easier for you to spot ticks before they migrate to your skin. At the end of your hike, visually check your hair, back of neck, armpits, and 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. Use disinfectant solution on the wound.
Hunting
Separate rules, regulations, and licenses govern the various hunting types and related seasons. Though there are generally no problems, hikers may wish to forgo their trips during the big-game seasons, when the woods suddenly seem filled with orange and camouflage. The hunting season for most animals in and around Charlotte occurs October–December. The most common places for hikers to encounter hunters are in the Uwharrie National Forest and the Birkhead Wilderness, east of the city.
Regulations
Each state generally has a unique set of rules and regulations that apply to the use of state parks and other public lands. Below you will find many of the most important rules and regulations to know when visiting these areas. Many of these regulations are listed on the rules-and-regulations pages of the North Carolina State Parks and North Carolina Parks and Recreation websites.