LA County is home to diverse and amazing wildlife, and throughout the year our trails may contain many species big and small.  Recent wildfires have also displaced a lot of wildlife and brought many down into the foothills in the urban wildland interface.  

The opportunities to explore the outdoors and observe wildlife up close are numerous and varied. When you are out on the trail, remember to put your own safety first.

Following a few general safety tips will help you avoid any unwanted wildlife encounters:

• Be aware of your surroundings. Know what type of wildlife may be present on the trails that could pose a threat and take appropriate precautions.
• Keep your distance from wildlife that pose a threat to you, your children, and your dog.
• Don’t hike, bike, or run alone. Avoid hiking and running at dawn and dusk when rattlesnakes and mountain lions are more active.
• Supervise children and dogs – keep small children close to you and keep dogs on leash.

Always report any wildlife attacks immediately with a 911 call or to the trail operator.

And a few additional safety tips to keep in mind during rattlesnake season or when hiking in mountain lion country.

Rattlesnakes: Particularly when Spring weather starts to warm, rattlesnakes become a common site out on the trails. Rattlesnakes are generally not aggressive and mind their own business – the chances of being bitten are relatively small. However, they can bite if startled, threatened or even accidentally touched by a  passing trail user. Most rattlesnake bites happen between April and October, so while during rattlesnake season keep in mind these safety tips:

• Be alert. Snakes tend to sun themselves in the mid-mornings when it's cooler out but in the summer months they become more active at dawn and dusk.
• Always wear sturdy shoes, socks, and long pants.
• Avoid underbrush and tall grasses on overgrown trails where snakes may hide.
• Teach your kids to respect snakes and not to interact with them.
• Always keep your dog on leash while hiking.

Mountain lions: Mountain lions do roam our public lands, but they typically avoid contact with humans. While sightings are rare and it is extremely unlikely that you would encounter one while on a trail, remember these basic safety tips when hiking in mountain lion country:

• Back away slowly, do not run, do not turn with your back towards the mountain lion and do not approach. Give them a way to escape.
• Remember to look large, raise your hands over your head. If you have a backpack or jacket, raise that over your head. Do not crouch down or bend over.
• Wave your arms slowly. Speak in a loud, firm voice. Pick up small children or dogs so that they don’t run.