Читать книгу Backpacking Arizona. From Deep Canyons to Sky Islands онлайн

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Scorpions have been far more fatal to Arizonians over the years than snakes, though the victims are usually the very young or infirm. The most dangerous scorpion, the Arizona Bark Scorpion (Centruroides excilicauda), a small, straw-colored species found in the lowest desert areas, poses little threat to most healthy adults. Few of the hikes in this guide are located in these areas. The more common larger scorpions are found everywhere, but their sting is no more dangerous than a wasp sting. Again, knowing the critter’s habits lets you avoid them. Scorpions are nocturnal, and during the day they lurk under rocks and logs. Always kick such objects with your boot before picking them up. Don’t leave clothing or footwear outside your tent, or if you do, shake it out before wearing it.

Africanized bees have spread throughout Arizona, but are more common in the warmer, desert areas. They interbreed freely with the less aggressive, common honeybee, and only a lab analysis can tell them apart. Avoid all bees, especially if they are swarming. If attacked, drop your pack, run, do not swat at the bees, and protect your eyes. Africanized bees give up the chase after about half a mile. A vehicle or building is the best shelter, but in the backcountry, head for dense brush or vegetation, which confuses the bees. The sting of individual Africanized bees is no more dangerous than common bees—the danger lies in their aggressiveness.