A "warning" has been issued for all hikers in the wake of four tragic deaths this month.
Two hikers have been found dead in the United States, while another two have been found dead in Wales.
A 21-year-old New Jersey woman and an adult California man were found dead while hiking. Meanwhile, two hikers in Wales were found dead on the top of a popular mountain. The 21-year-old woman, Brianna L. Mohr, was found dead from hypothermia.
"The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation offers its condolences to the family," the spokesperson said.
State police added: "Mohr was showing no signs of life and was pronounced deceased near the summit of Mount Marcy. [Her] dog was uninjured and rescued.”
In Wales, two hikers, aged 19 and 20, were found dead. They were identified as Eddie Hill, 20, and Jayden Long, 19, both from Norfolk.
"We can confirm that two bodies have been located in the Eryri mountain range during searches for two missing men, aged 19 and 20," police announced.
"Concerns for the welfare of the men were reported to police on Wednesday, 18 February.
"Crews from Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team, RAF Mountain Rescue Service, SARDA and HM Coastguard were deployed and carried out extensive searches on Yr Wyddfa until the early hours of Thursday morning."
Hiking, while popular, can be dangerous.
The following safety tips have been announced for everyone:
- What is my experience level with hiking? Do I go hiking often or is this my first time hitting the trails?
- How much equipment, food, and water (weight) can I comfortably carry in a backpack? How long can I carry a backpack with all the essentials?
- Am I physically fit for the hike I would like to do? Have I practiced hiking up and down steep hills or am I more comfortable on flat, paved paths?
- Have I ever hiked in this type of environment before? Environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity take time to get used to, especially if you live in a different environment from the park you are visiting.
- Am I able to go to higher elevations? More effort is required to hike at higher elevations due to the reduced amount of oxygen available in the air. Remember that at 8,000 feet you are at risk of altitude illness, a potentially life-threatening condition. If you don’t know, ask your healthcare provider.
- Am I hiking alone or do I plan to bring a friend? It is safer to hike with a companion, but if you prefer go solo, take extra measures to ensure that you are prepared since you will be traveling alone.
Stay safe, everyone.