Trail Safety 101
Here are some trail tips to remember:
- Tell a friend where you are going and when you expect to return
- Hiking with others is safer than hiking alone
- Respect nature and stay on the trails. The ravines and natural areas contain habitats that are sensitive to the presence of people and dogs
- Smoking or vaping is not permitted at Coquitlam parks or trails
- Don’t forget to bring the 10 Essentials
- Be bear and wildlife smart
The 10 Essentials
- FLASHLIGHT/HEADLAMP & SPARE BATTERIES
- FIRST AID KIT
- EXTRA CLOTHING (rain, wind, water protection)
- NAVIGATIONAL AIDS (map, compass, altimeter, GPS, chart, radio, mobile phone)
- FIRE STARTER
- EXTRA FOOD & WATER
- EMERGENCY SHELTER (large garbage bag, mylar blanket)
- SUN PROTECTION
- POCKET KNIFE
- SIGNALLING DEVICE
Be Bear Aware
Coquitlam is home to bears as well as other urban wildlife. Be aware, listen and watch for bears. Remember these tips:
- When hiking and biking in bear country, try to stay in a group
- Look for posted signs about animal activity
- Look for bear signs like tracks, droppings, overturned rocks, fresh diggings or trampled vegetation. These signs may indicate a bear is still in the area
- Don’t rely on bear bells – make noises by talking or clapping your hands, especially when travelling upwind, near streams and waterfalls, or when you cannot see the path ahead
Insider Tips
Steve Chapman is a Coquitlam Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteer and a member of the Burke Mountain Naturalists.
Hike to try: “For a beginner/intermediate hike I would recommend the High Knoll
at Minnekhada. It’s a great area for wildlife spotting.”Safety tips: “For safety on our trails I recommend ALWAYS carrying the “10 essentials”. The headlamp is the most important item and it’s also very important to let a responsible person know your plans, someone who will call 911 (for SAR) if you are overdue.”
If you see a bear:
- Stop and remain calm. Often the bear is just passing through and if it finds no food source, it will simply move on
- Talk in a low and calm voice while backing away slowly
- Keep away from the bear and warn others to do the same
- Don’t scream, yell or run
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