Jets in the Wild, Wildlife Encounters

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Rattlesnakes are probably the biggest risk at most spots along the route. Snakes don't eat people and would prefer to avoid humans as much as possible, but snake interactions do happen frequently in the warmer months. Eastern Pacific rattlesnakes are found throughout the Sequoias and Panamint Rattlesnakes can be found near the Sierras. Many other snakes also call these areas home. 

If you Encounter a Snake

• Freeze: Stop immediately and do not make sudden movements.
• Back away: Slowly retreat to create at least 6 to 10 feet of distance.
• Let it pass: Give the snake time to slither away on its own.
• Feel vibrations: Stomp your feet gently to alert the snake to your presence if it is blocking the trail.
• Do not touch: Never try to pick up, poke, or kill the snake.
• Stay on trails: Avoid walking through tall grass, weeds, and thick brush.
• Step up, not over: Step onto logs and rocks rather than over them.
• Wear proper gear: Wear over-the-ankle hiking boots and long pants.
• Inspect seats: Check stumps and logs before sitting down.
• Watch water: Never grab sticks or branches while swimming, as rattlesnakes can swim.
• Leash pets: Keep dogs on a leash to prevent them from investigating and getting bitten. 

What to Do If Bitten

• Call 911: Act quickly to get professional help on the way.
• Stay calm: Exertion and panic will spread the venom faster.
• Remove restrictions: Take off jewelry and watches near the bite area before swelling begins.
• Keep level: Try to keep the bitten limb about level with your heart.
• Do not use a tourniquet: Tourniquets, ice, and suction tools cause more harm than good

While bear sightings are pretty rare, they do happen. All bears in these parks are American black bears. This name can be misleading, as they may be black, brown, cinnamon, or even blonde in color.

If you encounter a black bear, it is vital to know how to react: 

• Stand Your Ground: Look big, raise your arms, and yell loudly to scare the bear away.
• Do Not Run: Running can trigger a bear’s natural predatory instincts.
• Defend if Attacked: If a bear makes physical contact, tuck into a ball face down and protect your neck. If the attack continues, fight back using your fists or rocks
• If a bear changes its behavior because of your presence, you are too close.
• Don't get between a female and her cubs. (cubs may be up a nearby tree)
• Don't linger too long.
• Get everyone together (especially children) to appear large. Make lots of noise (yell, bang pots and pans, etc.). Be assertive.
• Never surround a bear - they need an escape route!
• If a bear does obtain your food, never try to take it back.
• If a bear huffs at you and shows its profile, it may be ready to bluff charge. Stand your ground or back away slowly. Do not run. Running is how a prey animal might act; if you appear to be prey, the bear may have a predatory response. Bluff charges are generally meant to intimidate you, and rarely result in contact.
• Bears in Sequoia are habituated to human presence and can be aggressive in their search for food. To avoid property damage or steep fines, you must:
• Store all food, trash, and scented items (like toiletries) in the metal lockers provided at campsites.
• Never leave food or ice chests unattended, even for a moment.
• Lock your food in your vehicle if no lockers are available, but be aware that bears can easily tear into vehicles if they smell food inside.

Occasionally seen, bobcats are slightly larger than house cats and have a bobbed tail. In comparison, mountain lions are much larger and have a long tail. Fully grown, they weigh between 70-180 pounds, and if seen, would appear bigger than a large dog.

Mountain lions usually run off when seen. If you see a mountain lion that doesn’t run:

• Do not run; running may trigger pursuit.
• Pick up children.
• Try to appear as large as possible—don’t crouch down.
• Hold your ground or back away slowly while facing the cougar.
• If the cougar acts aggressively, wave your hands, shout, and throw stones or sticks at it.
• If attacked, fight back! Report any sightings.