Last week I was walking with a friend along Alameda Creek and then we reached the parking lot at Dougherty Hills.
I have been here before and I don't like this place... because of the Mountain Lion Warning Signs!
Also my friends and family back in Europe don't like the idea of hiking in mountain lion, coyote or rattlesnake habitat.
Some even accused us of putting ourselves, and especially Maarten, in danger.
Am I too neglectful?
I really hate the idea of putting Maarten at risk!
That's why I asked people who have been living and hiking this area for years, some even for decades:
How dangerous is it to hike in the Bay Area?
Most agreed that the biggest danger on the trails is humans. Therefore hiking alone, like I do, may be more dangerous for a woman. I've noticed this already...
The best is to carry a stick and a knife!
The question is: Will I be able to use them when danger occurs?
People who hike with dogs, which doesn't concern me, now and then get into trouble with grazing cows (and Maarten doesn't like them either)or with coyotes.
I never thought of coyotes to being a danger to people. It's only a wild mid-sized dog, I thought. We've encountered them several times already and they didn't seem to be interested in us at all.
But, as I've learned, the coyote attacks on humans and pets are increasing. Are the coyotes coming closer to us or do we build our houses in their territory?
It's pretty common to see a rattlesnake while hiking on a hot day, even though till now we've seen only two of their kind.
And what about the most dangerous animal living in the Bay Area?
I guess, I would be extremely lucky to see or encounter a mountain lion.
During the daytime when I usually hike they are probably resting somewhere.
I have never had the opportunity to hike at sunset and I've never made it to hike at sunrise.
At this time of the day you're more likely to see a bobcat. We haven't been that lucky yet. Only once we heard him roar and growl pretty close to our tent, but that was in a different area.
I can't help it but by learning more and more about the local 'natural dangers' I feel even more safe.
I believe if I behave respectfully in the wild and take precautions, I'm probably more safe on a trail than driving Maarten to school on the freeway.
