Safety tips for forest trekkers

Trekking is a great outdoor activity and is popular among adventure enthusiasts of all age groups. There are a number of trekking groups that organize trekking expeditions but one should not overlook the possible dangers it has if you are not equipped adequately. In this article, we will be breaking down a few trekking safety guidelines.

Get the permission and approval:
Trekkers who want to gain entry into any forest in and around Chikmagalur should first notify the respective authorities as all forests are looked after and monitored by the forest department. They will issue a written letter granting permission for trekking, night stay, safaris, and photography. You will be accompanied by a forest guard to help guide and protect you from wildlife.

Dress appropriately:
We advise you to not wear any loud or bright clothing such as orange, red, or yellow. Wear clothes that blend easily with the surroundings like brown, dark green, and grey. By doing so, you are causing a minimal disturbance in the forest. At the same time, better to avoid using lighters, flashlights, perfumes, shampoos, and so on.

Leave before sunset:
Photography and taking videos are a great way to spend time but make sure you respect the rules where photography may be prohibited in certain sensitive areas of the forest. Abide by all the rules to have an enjoyable and safe time. This means leaving the forest by sunset as the night brings with it a heightened activity of dangerous and life-threatening predators.

Do not wander off alone:
Make sure you stay in a group at all times because wandering off alone could have deadly consequences. Never feed your food to the wild animals in the forest and always remember to take back all the things you take into the forest like plastic items, leftovers, papers, and so on. If you come across a forest fire, steer clear of it and alert the authorities immediately.

Watch out for insects:
When you head out into the forest or for trekking, you will come across ticks and leeches. These insects attach themselves to your body when you sit down or rest against some grass or rock. Although they are not very harmful, they can still cause a lot of inconvenience by sucking out your blood and leaving a stain. So, better to cover your legs with full-length trousers and boots to avoid them. You must also carry a first-aid kit in case of an emergency such as surgical cotton, hand sanitizer, and so on.

Extra tips:
Other things to carry include drinking water, an extra pair of clothing, and some torches. If you’re passing through the forest in your car, drive at a relatively slow speed. Avoid using the horn as you will disturb the tranquillity of the forest. Once you are inside the forest, you are at the mercy of the wild animals so follow all the rules and regulations, and will be okay.

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