The short answer is YES!  Stay away from it!

Below you will find some brief reminders that we must be aware of our surroundings in order to prevent a close encounter with the emergency room.  So, will that thing bite me?

Please Geocache safely!

Will That Thing Bite Me?

Arachnids –  Arachnids are not limited to spiders.  They include ticks and scorpions.

Spiders like to hide in spots just like Geocaches!  Be careful reaching in areas you can’t see into and don’t pick up the plastic SWAG spider if it is moving!  Remember that you’ve gone to their “web site” and just leave them along.  They can cause nasty bites and in some cases (Brown Recluse, Black Widow) can make you really sick. Of course seek medical treatment if you feel that you may have been bitten by any venomous spider.

Ticks are just plain sneaky.  You will be sitting at home talking about your Geocaching excursion in the woods and the next thing you know you get the creeping suspicion that you are not alone.  The best tip to prevent these little “Cling-ons” (You Star Trek fans are chuckling aren’t you?)  is to avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass.  Make sure you stay to the center of the trail you are following and shower as soon as you get home.  Then conduct a complete body inspection.  If you find some of the little guys, use tweezers or the commercial pulling devices using these instructions from the CDC. After you remove the tick, don’t get rid of it. Go to the University of Rhode Island’s website Tick Encounter and identify the tick to see if you should seek medical advice and also to report the tick and where you found it.

Scorpions hate to be surprised.  They like to hang out under piles of leaves, logs, rocks, and under the skirt of lamp posts!  If stung by a scorpion seek medical attention immediately.  The elderly and children are especially at risk.  Get in the habit of shaking clothing, shoes, towels, or any else left outdoors.  Leave scorpions alone because their stinger is fast and can reach farther than you think.  Scorpions glow very brightly under black light (UV).  When provoked or caught by surprise they will attack.  So check your shoes before putting them on, shake out your sleeping bag before getting in it and never let them see you sweat (ok, that last thing, I just threw in.  Your parents may have to explain it).

Reptiles

Click the image to see the Coral Snake!

Snakes – Geocachers love to hide caches under rocks, in old tree stumps, along river or creek beds, and in tall grass.  Snakes love to live in these places.  Watch carefully where you step and where you place your hands.  Carry a stick to poke hiding places and if possible use it to get the container where you can see it.  If you see a snake just leave it alone.  It is OK to scream like a little girl (not that I’ve done that or anything) if a snake surprises you.  Just get away from it as fast as you can.  Some people have this urge to play with a snake when they stumble upon them.  Don’t!  Our friends at the CDC have this to say about venomous snakes.

• Be aware of your environment to avoid a nasty bite or critters inadvertently coming home with you.
• Keep your kids safe by teaching them about the dangers of those cute little creepy crawlies.
• If you read and heed your caching experience will be much more enjoyable.