Many people think of the cartoon "Bullwinkle" when they think of a moose. Hikers in the northern U.S. and Canada who've actually encountered moose have an entirely different view. If you're hiking where they both live, you're much more likely to be attacked by a moose than a bear.

Moose aren't shy, like deer. They're territorial and aggressive, and their size - up to 6 ½ feet at the shoulder - and weight - as much as 1500 pounds - make them extremely dangerous. They have sharp hooves and impressive antlers. The two likeliest times of year for moose encounters are spring, when females have calves, and fall, when bull moose are looking for mates.

Never get between a female moose and her calf. If you come upon them on the trail, back up slowly and wait for them to move on; generally, they will. If a mother and calf wander into your camp, again, try to back away. Moose show aggression in several ways. They may toss or swing their heads, stamp the ground, lay their ears back, or actually charge you. Some of these charges are bluffs, and the moose will veer away at the last moment. But since most of us can't read their minds, you need to take a charge seriously, and try to get behind a large boulder. The moose will then, hopefully, decide you're not a threat.

In the fall, bull moose are just as deadly as females in the spring. Anything that moves is a potential rival. They've even charged locomotives, so if they charge you, don't assume they'll back off. If you can't get away, roll yourself into a ball, cover your head, and don't try to get up. You'll probably get kicked, but if you don't move at all until the moose has left the area, you'll survive. A broken rib is better than a smashed skull. If you have time, swing your backpack over your head to protect it. Pull your hiking boots up to protect your groin if possible.

Remember that you're in their territory, show them respect, and you'll survive a moose encounter.

Most hikers don't think about plague before they head out. But according to the National Park Service, if you're hiking in the southern Rocky Mountains, Arizona, New Mexico, or parts of California, maybe you should.

Bubonic plague is still alive and well around the world, including in the U.S. Although only 10 to 15 people die of it per year in the U.S., according to the CDC, there's always a danger to hikers in an infected area. Plague is caused by a bacterium called Yersinia pestis. The bacteria are carried by fleas that bite rodents, cats, and humans. You can get bubonic plague if you're bitten by an infected animal, or, more rarely, if you breathe little drops of water infected with the bacteria.

Symptoms of bubonic plague start to show 2 to 6 days after infection. They can include fever, weakness or dizziness, chills, and swollen and painful lymph nodes. Called buboes, these can blacken as the disease progresses, explaining the name Black Plague and bubonic plague. Some people get pneumonia as a first symptom. The infection quickly spreads to the rest of the body. If an infected person isn't promptly treated with antibiotics, he can die.

You can avoid getting the plague by following a few tips. First, if a small animal like a prairie dog or a rabbit or bunny approaches you, don't pet it or go near it. Next, don't pick up dead animals. If you must move an animal's corpse, wear long sleeves and gloves and wash both your hands and the gloves with an anti-bacterial cleanser. Keep your campsite free of attractions to plague-carrying animals, such as piles of brush or rocks they could nest in, or left-over food or other garbage they could eat. Don't take your dog or cat with you, as they can become infected much more easily than you. If you must bring them along, check them for fleas frequently. Wear insect repellent yourself. Wear long pants or jeans to protect yourself, and high sturdy hiking boots to avoid animal bites.

(Sources: http://www.nps.gov/archive/waca/pphtml/subenvironmentalfactors10.html, http://www.nps.gov/wica/naturescience/resource-ramblings-july-2008.htm, http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/yoursafety.htm,http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/plague/index.htm, http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/plague.htm )

When you're headed out to the back country this summer, surviving a vehicle water crash is probably not on your mind. But maybe it should be. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 600 people perish each year in the U.S. by drowning inside their vehicles. So if you're route to the trailhead crosses or passes water, be prepared.

The first thing to remember if your vehicle hits water is to stay calm. That's not the easiest thing to do when your car is sinking, but if you don't, you could become a statistic. Unfasten your seatbelt and try to open your door as quickly as possible. If your headlights are on, leave them on; it makes it easier for rescuers to find you and your car.

If the car sinks quickly and water pressure won't let the door open, break a window. Take a deep breath, then kick a window wearing sturdy boots. If that doesn't work, use a heavy flashlight or a large screwdriver that you've stashed in the glove compartment or side pocket (preparation!) and smash the glass. Water will start to pour in but push through it until you're outside your car.

Leave your gear and pack behind, but keep your shades on, because they can protect your eyes from debris in the water. Swim or kick up towards the light. If you've become disoriented, breathe out a little, and watch the bubbles; they'll go up so follow them. Once you break the surface, look around and find the nearest shore, and head to it. Unless you're an expert swimmer trained in water rescue, don't try to save your friend(s). You could all end up in critical condition, especially if the water is cold.

Back on the road, wave down passing cars to get help. Then slow down; your adrenaline rush will have kept you from feeling much pain, and that will probably kick in now. You also need to get warm to avoid shock. The faster you can get help, the more likely that you and anyone still in the car will survive.

If you're hiking in a forest, whether flatland or mountainous, you may encounter a black bear. An estimated 300,000 of them inhabit 41 of the lower 48 states, from coast to coast. To survive an encounter with a black bear, hike with a group and be prepared. Wear medium hiking boots and carry a backpack with a quick-access pocket on the hip belt. Carry bear spray there. Bear spray contains capsaicin, but it's a different concentration than spray for people. Make sure it specifies it's for bears.

"Black" bears can be black, cinnamon, golden, and in some parts of British Columbia, even white. These bears are generally shy, and prefer to avoid contact. If you see a bear, and it hasn't seen you, back away slowly. Watch the bear but don't make eye contact. When you're out of sight, wait until you hear it move away or find a route around it. Bears have very poor eyesight, so if it sees you, wave your arms slowly, and talk in a calm voice to let it know you're human. Move slowly upwind away from the bear. Never walk up to a bear, and never try to feed it.

In some situations, a bear may see you as a threat. If it's a mother with first year cubs, she'll start a defensive attack. She'll warn you by swatting the ground or chuffiing, moaning, and snapping her teeth. If she approaches you, stand still. She'll usually stop, and then you can back away and pull out your bear spray. If she comes at you again, use the spray when she's within 15 feet, and aim for the face. You'll also be perceived as a threat if a bear is defending a kill. Watch for ravens and other scavengers that may indicate a kill site, and avoid it.

If the bear attacks defensively, play dead, and the bear should leave. If it attacks you aggressively, fight for your life with all your might. Yell, use a knife, fists, or sticks and rocks, and aim for the nose and eyes. As soon as you can get away, head for medical help. If you're far from help, first treat any bleeding wounds with your first aid kit.

Use good bear sense, and survive for your next hike.

(Sources: http://www.wcs.org/globalconservation/northamerica/adirondacks-test/adirondackbear/46902170, http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/wildlife/problem_wildlife/bbear_encounters.html, http://www.mountainnature.com/Wildlife/Bears/BearEncounters.htm, http://ext.nrs.wsu.edu/publications/Blackbears1.htm )

Even the most experienced climbers can use a little inspiration when heading to the summit, which is where these mountain-themed songs on your iPod can help:

"Rocky Top" (Sung by Lynn Anderson)
One of seven official state songs of Tennessee, this Felice and Beaudleaux Bryant collaboration talks about a peak on Thunderhead Mountain, which is located in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.

"Ain't No Mountain High Enough" (Sung by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell)
Written by legendary songwriters Nikolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, the singer of this song is telling the one he loves that there's not a mountain high enough to keep him away when she truly needs him.

"Rocky Mountain High" (Sung by John Denver)
One of the two official Colorado State Songs, Denver sings about the joy he feels when he is up in the mountains, a sentiment echoed by countless climbers and hikers. Initially, concerned government officials thought Denver was talking about another kind of "natural high," one that still is illegal in the United States.

"High Hopes" (Sung by Frank Sinatra)
Halfway to the summit, you may be wondering why you are climbing such rocky terrain. This little tune, sung by the "Chairman of the Board" himself, celebrates the joys of doing seemingly impossible tasks, such as climbing a mountain.

"On Top of Old Smoky" (Sung by the Weavers)
This folk ballad refers to a certain mountain, but experts can't agree which one it is. Some people believe the lyrics refer to Clingman's Dome, the highest point in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The singer talks about losing the love of his life on the top of the mountain to another man because he acted too slowly.

And just to remind you what might happen if your foot slips:

"Free Fallin'" (Sung by Tom Petty)
Because you don't want to "free fall out into nothin'," always remember to pack a good pair of crampon compatible boots along with your iPod. Without them, you may, as Petty sings, "leave this world for a while."

The Adirondack Wilderness area of New York draws thousands of people each year for agri-tourism, fishing, hunting and - you guessed it! - mountain climbing. There are several mountains in this area, each of which poses unique challenges.

The highpoint of New York is a rugged and heavily forested peak called Mount Marcy, and although it doesn't rival the height of mountains in the west, it is still a main attraction. Mount Marcy is an excellent climb for beginner and advanced climbers alike. There are several routes to the peak, ranging from easy to technically difficult, so amateurs can try different routes in a progression until they get comfortable.

Unlike many of the other state highpoints in the U.S., Mount Marcy is extremely dense, with only the top few hundred feet relatively clear of trees. This makes for a beautiful and somewhat sheltered climb, allowing you to focus on your hands and feet rather than the surrounding vistas. The peak of Mount Marcy, by contrast, is very sandy with scattered rocky outcroppings, which means that footing can be shaky. If you're going to climb this mountain, make sure to wear a pair of boots with adequate ankle support.

Also popular on Mount Marcy is skiing and snowboarding, both of which are available from October through mid-March. If you'll be visiting New York during the winter, it might be safer to try snowboarding and leave your climbing activities for warmer months. All of Mount Marcy routes can be completed in a single day, so you don't have to worry about camping if you're going to make this climb. However, it is important to grab a map on your way out so you know where to find the trailhead; climbers have gotten lost on the mountain, and the forest makes it more difficult to get your bearings.

You'll also want to be careful of wildlife on Mount Marcy. Poisonous plants, black bears, coyotes and wolves are found in this area, and you might not hear them coming if they approach under the cover of trees.

Planning on doing some real back country hiking, skiing or snowboarding while it's still winter in most of the north and the high country? If you want to be sure you come back home again, without frost bite or a touch of snow blindness, dress for success - with style and function! Check the weather before you leave but make sure you're ready for sudden storms and changes in temperature.

From toe to head, it's best to dress in layers. You may want to start with a basic wool sock, since wool keeps you warm even when wet, or upgrade to a wool blend sock designed for hiking or one of the new eco-friendly poly blends. Next are your boots. You'll want sturdy hiking boots, insulated and waterproof.

Moving up a little, protect your legs with today's long underwear, a base layer with honeycomb fabric or stick with wool. Cover those up with an outdoor pant designed for comfort but with all the pockets and gaiters you'll need. If you want more coverage, try a windbreaker-type fabric over the top but bear in mind, you need to be able to move, and you want to let air out.

For your upper body, you'll need a base layer in a poly blend or a wool crewneck. Top that with your favorite sturdy shirt. If you'll be exerting yourself with climbing, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, your next item should be a down vest. It will keep your torso warm, but not too warm, while allowing freedom of movement. Finish off the top with a down jacket, a lighter weight one or for a daylight-only adventure, maybe a lightweight shell. If you're at a high altitude or it's just darn cold, you may want to go for a real parka.

Don't forget the accessories. You'll need gloves, a good fleece hat or a woolen one and very good sunglasses or goggles. Along with the necessities in your pack, these should keep you warm, dry and safe in a wilderness adventure.

Some of the most treacherous climbs in the United States involve not only steep grades and technical difficulties but also serious climbs that require significant endurance to cross. Granite Peak in the Rockies' Beartooth Range of Montana is one such example, providing not only an advanced-level climb, but also quite a trek before you can start slinging ropes.

There are only two approaches to Granite Peak, both of which entail arduous trails followed by a stint across what is known as Froze-To-Death Plateau. This, in addition to the climb itself, is the main reason why most people who climb Granite Peak make it an overnighter. Although it is possible to make it in a day, the strain on the human body is enormous.

If you're going to be climbing Granite Peak, it is important that you are objective about your abilities. Novice climbers will quickly discover that Granite is not your average climb, and only advanced mountaineers should even consider it. Not only is the climb itself technical and challenging, but rock fall and frigid temperatures make this a climb for the dedicated outdoorsman.

Most people who climb Granite Peak camp out near Avalanche Lake, which falls a little bit short of your average Hilton Hotel. The valley in which campers choose to set up their tents and sleeping bags is littered with rocks and boulders, making comfort almost impossible.

It doesn't cost anything to climb Granite Peak, but you will need to pay for a permit if you want to cut trees for firewood. You should also obtain a Granite Peak quadrangle map, which will help you navigate your way up the mountain and through the trails. If you have any reservations about your ability to navigate, a better idea is to climb with a guide.

Climbers who attempt Granite Peak will need a comfortable pair of insulated hiking boots, as well as rope, a flashlight, a rappel device and slings. The best time to hike is between July and August, as other times of year are far too cold and the snowfall too deep for climbing conditions.

Most people know about Grand Cayman Island, both for its sandy beaches and its notorious offshore bank accounts. What most people don't realize, however, is that you can enjoy a more pleasant and secluded vacation on neighboring islands, such as Cayman Brac.

"The Brac", as locals call it, is a premier vacation destination for those who enjoy diving, snorkeling, walking the beach, collecting shells and generally having a good time. The relaxing and peaceful atmosphere on Cayman Brac draws thousands of people every year, but it is never as populated as the more visible Grand Cayman.

Many diving enthusiasts visit Cayman Brac every year so they can explore a frigate wreck. Since the wrecks stern is located in more shallow waters, even amateur divers can take a look, and this is a great opportunity to observe all of the marine life that make its home within the wreck. You can also dive all around the island, exploring the walls, swim-thrus and reefs that characterize this magical destination.

Most people who visit the Brac do not rent cars, instead traveling the island on scooters or bicycles. They are available to rent from several vendors throughout the island and are more convenient for exploring the territory without designated roads. However, you can also rent a car or SUV if you feel more comfortable.

Mountain climbers will also enjoy the Cayman Brac, as the bluffs on the west end of the island present varying degrees of difficulty. If you prefer, however, you can hike around the bluffs in hopes of seeing some of the unique wildlife that find their homes on the island.

Temperatures on Cayman Brac are mild, with summers hovering in the eighties and winters in the mid-seventies. You'll need your passport to travel to the Brac as well as any other identification you can bring, and you can learn about the current exchange rates at the Cayman airport.

Make sure, though, when visiting the Brac, that you bring a pair of hiking boots with high ankles. Hiking around the island will result in encounters with scrub and snakes, and foot protection is essential.

There's nothing like a terrifying statistic to get your blood pumping for your next mountain climbing adventure. The Annapurna peaks, of which there are six, have the single highest mortality rate among all the 8,000-meter mountains in the world. Most of the deaths and serious accidents occur on Annapurna I and Annapurna II.

If you are increasing your skills in mountain climbing and developing a healthy confidence, it might be time to branch out to new areas of the world, such as central Nepal. The Himalayas provide numerous exciting mountains to conquer, from the Annapurna peaks to the elusive K2.

If you don't think you are ready for the Annapurna peaks, you can start with Annapurna South, which is only 7,219 meters high. This peak is far less rocky than the others, and there are several routes that will accommodate an amateur climber. However, you do have to worry about extreme temperatures and rock fall regardless of which of these peaks you choose to summit.

When you are climbing any of the Annapurna peaks, you'll want to start in the Annapurna Sanctuary, which is the glacial basin that sits in the middle of all the mountains. Once considered a sacred land to natives, this area is now highly revered by locals and visitors alike and is home to a vibrant range of ecosystems that any nature lover will appreciate.

For your visit to the Annapurna peaks, make sure you bring along a pair of sturdy hiking boots and a warm sleeping bag for camping. Trekking through the mountains might constitute a day trip, but all mountain climbing will require at least one over nighter.

You should also know that climbing in the Annapurna peaks is highly regulated by the Nepal government. You'll need an entry visa, as well as trekking or climbing permits if this is your destination, so make sure you have everything you need in advance. This is why many mountain climbers hire guides who will cut through all the red tape for them.

If an adventure in the desert isn't appealing to your weekend warrior, a small tweak in the schedule may be all you need to turn into an eager desert beaver. While desert trekking and hiking across sandy dunes by day is a guaranteed killer workout and a chance to take in breathtaking views, waiting until sundown presents an entirely new opportunity to put your survival skills to the test.

Exploring the desert by night demands some extra gear and a well-planned route to get you through the challenging trail. Make sure you're heading out on your nighttime trek with these survival basics:

#1: Headlamps. Unless you're taking along some Bond-inspired night vision goggles, you'll need a reliable headlamp to cover the sandy turf like a pro. Go for the hands-free variety so you can use your hands to keep your pack in place and carry your water bottle with ease.

#2: Water bottle. When the sun disappears from view and you're left with cooler temperatures, you still need to guzzle that H2O; it will keep your mind fresh and your senses as sharp as a panther on the prowl. Make sure you're lugging an extra-large water bottle to reduce the need for refills so you'll always have some crisp and cool water by your side.

#3: Light blanket. If it's time to make a rest stop between dunes and you're body's yearning for a quick nap, enjoy a light snooze inside a weatherproof blanket. Keep it light so you're not responsible for hauling extra weight in your pack, and pick something large so it can easily be turned into a pseudo-sleeping bag.

#4: Protective eye goggles. You may be treated to a sandstorm during your hike, so make sure you're prepared for this gift from nature with a sturdy pair of goggles. Choose a larger pair that will act as a shield against the pelting sand and debris.

#5: Weatherproof boots. A pair of lightweight hiking boots is all you really need to set yourself on course for your nighttime trek, so choose boots that fit snugly but won't limit your ankle's range of motion. Even though you won't be doing a lot of trail hiking over a nighttime course, you still need a pair of boots with a strong grip and insulation to protect you from the elements.