Читать книгу 101 Hikes in Northern California. Exploring Mountains, Valleys, and Seashore онлайн

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Deer Mice

There is no known cure for hantavirus, a rare but usually fatal pulmonary syndrome acquired by ingesting the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents, or by touching your nose, mouth, or eyes after handling infected rodents, their nests, or droppings. Deer mice are 4–7 inches long, are gray to brown in color with white fur on the belly, and have large ears. They are common around the state. Never handle rodent nests, avoid buildings they inhabit, and never leave food sitting out.

Mountain Lions

Common throughout the state, mountain lions are rarely seen. If you do encounter a mountain lion acting aggressively, make yourself look as large as possible and do not run away.

Plants to Avoid

Poison Oak

If you learn to identify only one plant in California, it had better be this one. Poison oak grows throughout California below approximately 4,000 feet. A low-lying shrub or bush, it has glossy, oaklike leaves that always grow in clusters of three and turn bright red in the fall before dropping off in the winter. Both the leaves and stems contain an oil that causes a strong allergic reaction in most people, creating a maddening and long-lived itchy rash that can spread across the body. Wash thoroughly after any exposure. Poison oak is mentioned in the hike description if it occurs along a given trail.