The U.S. has issued a "warning" after two hikers were found dead.
The U.S. is warning everyone who goes out on hikes to be safe and follow proper protocols. A 21-year-old hiker was found dead in New York, while an adult male was found dead while hiking in California.
The 21-year-old hiker from New Jersey was found dead in New York, passing away from hypothermia. Meanwhile, an adult male was found dead in California, after failing to return to camp with his hiking partner, earlier in the day.
"Brianna Mohr, of Brick, had been hiking with her dog on Mount Marcy when New York State Forest Rangers got a distress call around 3 p.m. on Feb. 12, state police said," NBC New York reported.
"About six hours later, rangers found Mohr's body near the summit of the mountain in the Adirondacks. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her dog was rescued unhurt."
In the wake of the accidents, the U.S. has issued a hiking warning:
- Ask a Ranger. Stop by the visitor center or ask a ranger about conditions in the park before you head out on your hike. There may be park closures or alerts that are in effect.
- Let the slowest hiker set the pace. Always stay together. Put the slowest hiker near the front to keep your group together. While it may take a bit longer to reach your ultimate destination, staying together helps reduce the chance of someone getting lost and if someone gets injured you are there to help.
- Keep Track of Your Time and Distance. Remember that your total hike time includes the time it took you to hike to your destination and back to your starting point. If any of your hike, in either direction, is uphill, plan for it to take at least double the time it took you to go downhill. Be aware of the time you set out and turn around so you don’t get stuck outside in the dark. Set a turn around time if your trip is taking longer than planned and make sure you stick to it. Be prepared with the 10 essentials in case your adventure runs late.
- Yield to uphill hikers. Be courteous and cautious of others out on the trails. If you are downhill, carefully step to the side to let others pass.
- Take breaks often. Know your limits and pay attention to how you are feeling when on the trail. A good rule of thumb is that if you can talk while you are walking, you are traveling at the perfect speed.
- Eat snacks and drink water. Hiking can drain your energy quickly. Dehydration and heat exhaustion may sneak up on you while you are hiking on the trails. Be sure to drink as you are thirsty. Snack on nutritional foods such as trail mix, nuts, and granola bars to keep your energy high.
- Take your time and watch your step. Be careful and watch where you are walking, especially on slippery areas or near cliffs. Stick to dry paths and solid rock areas with good footing.
- Stay away from rapid waters and slippery slopes.Be careful and cautious when hiking near water including waterfalls and swift or cold water. Climbing on rocks near waterfalls is extremely dangerous and can lead to a fatal fall or drowning. Do not attempt to cross streams during icy conditions, flooding, moving or white water, or any time you cannot be certain of the water depth. If you plan to cross any rivers, plan and prepare to do so safely.
- Consult local tide tables and pay attention to tidal behavior. Oceans, estuaries, and their tributary streams are tidal – Tides reverse about every six hours. Beach users, rock climbers, and cave explorers can become trapped, and potentially drown, when incoming tides flood their return to safe ground. Keep track of time so you don’t get caught by the incoming tide.If trapped by a flooding tide, seek higher ground and call for help.
- Spray for mosquitoes and check for ticks. Repellents, netting, long pants, and sleeved clothing are the best ways to protect yourself from insect bites. Wear bug spray repellent to ward off mosquitoes and ticks. Check your clothing and your body for ticks during and after your hike.
- Be aware of wildlife. You might see some wildlife while you are out exploring. Check out the park’s website to learn more about the animals and educate yourself on responsibly watching wildlife. Store your food properly and do not wear strong scents.
Stay safe, everyone.