the way you came in. Should you become completely lost and have no idea how to find the trailhead, remaining in place along the trail and waiting for help is most often the best option for adults and always the best option for children.
Watchwords for Flora and Fauna
Hikers should remain aware of the following concerns regarding plant- and wildlife, described in alphabetical order.
BLACK BEARS
Though attacks by black bears are uncommon, the sight or approach of a bear can give anyone a start. 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.
Every now and then, you’ll see stories on the Boston news of a black bear wandering around a suburban neighborhood. It’s rare, but not impossible. Most encounters are motivated by food, 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 munch on an energy bar or other snack from time to time. If you see a black bear approaching as you’re having lunch, it’s best to leave your lunch and be on your way. Remain aware and alert, and you should be fine.
BLACK FLIES
Black flies are not dangerous, but they are certainly pests and a maddening annoyance. The worst a black fly will cause is an itchy welt. They are most active mid-May–June, during the day, and especially before thunderstorms, as well as during the morning and evening hours. Insect repellent has some effect (especially if it contains DEET), though the only way to keep out of their swarming midst is to keep moving.
MOSQUITOES
One of the advantages of hiking in fall, winter, or early spring is the absence of biting insects. The greater Boston area certainly has its share of winged tormentors. As a rule, conditions that suppress bugs include stiff breezes, dry air, and frost. Conversely, these airborne pests love windless, humid air. When preparing for a hike, approach the bug issue as you would the weather: dress appropriately. Wearing a long-sleeved cotton shirt and loose cotton pants gives excellent protection from the swarms of mosquitoes that materialize around wetlands and elsewhere when the heat of the sun subsides in the later afternoon. Unlike mosquitoes and black flies, greenheads—a fierce variety of horsefly—pose a threat only in areas near the salt marshes where they breed. Greenhead season on Crane Beach and Plum Island usually runs from mid-July through the first week of August.
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.
