LITMIR.BIZ

       Fragrant, but invasive broom flowers on a trail in Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve in spring (Hike 9).

      Poison Oak. An unfortunate but common plant along East Bay hiking trails, poison oak contains urushiol, an oil that can cause a skin rash or blisters. Remembering the old adage “leaves of three, let it be” can help you avoid it.

      To distinguish poison oak from other plants with clusters of three leaves, remember that poison oak leaves have smooth edges, rather than jagged ones, and can be green or red, depending on the season. The leaves somewhat resemble those of oak trees and are often shiny. In winter, when there may not be leaves to help you identify poison oak, stay away from smooth branches; if the plant you’re looking at has thorns, it may be blackberry. On official trails, you are unlikely to come into direct contact with poison oak. If you think you or your pet has been exposed, wash your clothes and your pet; the oil can linger on both. Several products on the market can remove poison oak oil from your skin in case of exposure.

       WILDLIFE

      The Bay Area is a thriving habitat for animals—those that are native to the area and those that have been brought in for grazing. One native animal you may see roaming throughout these parks is the coyote. Generally nocturnal, coyotes are most active early in the morning and at sunset. You are less likely to see one in the middle of the day. If you do encounter one, do not feed it (or any wildlife), don’t let your dog off leash, and don’t turn your back on it or run. Coyote attacks on people are very rare, but if a coyote approaches you, shout at it or throw small rocks near it (not at it).

      More than coyotes, however, you will likely see cows in parks across the East Bay Regional Park District. The EBRPD currently uses 6000 cows, 1600 goats, and 1500 sheep to graze park grasslands, a process in place for more than fifty years. Grazing is used to reduce fire risk and encourage native plants and wildlife to thrive. Cows are rarely aggressive. If you encounter one, speak calmly and give it space. Don't walk through a herd or between a cow and its calf.

      Ticks are also common in Bay Area parks. It’s a good practice to do a full-body tick check after each hike. If you find a tick on yourself, remove it with tweezers (be sure to get its head) and put it in a jar or plastic bag that you can keep in the freezer for later analysis if necessary. Wash the area with warm water and soap. While tick-borne illnesses are rare in the Bay Area, monitor bites for any suspicious changes in appearance.

      Seeing a rattlesnake is also rare but still possible—especially in warmer months when snakes are more active. People have been bitten by rattlesnakes in East Bay parks, so pay close attention to your surroundings. Try to look at the ground ahead of you as you walk, look carefully around logs and rocks before sitting down, and avoid putting your hands or feet in places where you can’t see clearly. If you encounter a rattlesnake, keep your distance, and if you can’t go around it, turn around and walk the other way. Stay on marked trails and avoid brush where snakes may be hiding during the day. If you do get bitten, stay calm and call 911 as soon as possible.