| Poison Oak
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One of the plants you will find throughout the park is poison oak. This plant has oils that will cause an itchy rash on your skin. Avoid contacting this plant if possible. It is easy to identify if you remember: "Leaves of three, let it be." The leaves are three to a stem and sometimes appear glossy. The leaves and stems may also be tinged with red. If you contact the plant, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and cool water. This will help to get rid of the oils. Do not use warm water as it will open your pores and allow the oils to work in deeper. Poison oak can grow as a vine climbing up the side of a tree, a shrub, or a short plant. | |
| Stinging Nettle
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Stinging nettle is a plant found near damp areas. The leaves and stems have fine hollow hairs on them. If you touch these hairs, they inject formic acid, which causes irritation and stinging. The discomfort goes away after a few hours, but the plant can be avoided if you know what it looks like and where it grows. | |
Bears
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There are bears in the park. All the bears you will find in
the wild in California are black bears. Black bears have many color variations, including
brown and cinnamon-colored coats. Black bears have a keen sense of smell. Although the
park does not have a bear problem, it is always wise when camping in bear country to
properly store food. Not only does this minimize the possibility of bear problems, it can
keep smaller animals (raccoons, skunks) out of your food. Food should be stored out of
sight in your vehicle at night. Rolling up the windows will minimize enticing food odors.
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Mountain Lions
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Mountain lions, or cougars, inhabit some areas of the park.
These large cats prefer to stay away from humans and inhabit some of the more remote
regions of the park. Although the chance that you will see a mountain lion is slim, should
you encounter one on a trail, there are several things to do to encourage it to leave. You
can make yourself appear larger by standing as tall as possible, raising your arms, and
opening a coat to make your outline wider. Make noises to let the lion know you are there
so it can avoid you. Don't make it feel cornered. Always give the lion a way to get away.
Never bend over so your outline looks like that of a four-legged animal. Never
run from a mountain lion. They are predators and this stimulates their instinct to give
chase. Stand your ground and allow the lion to leave on its own. |
