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.

If you’re hiking in areas that are part of a wolf pack’s territory, will you be attacked by wolves? You’re more likely to be attacked by bears or cougars, or even struck by lightning. But a wolf attack isn’t impossible, so be prepared.

A group of Norwegian scientists researched wolf attacks in Europe, Asia and North America in 2002, and found that most attacks occurred before the 20th century, and in the past 50 years, there have been only 17 people killed in Europe, and at that time, none in North America. In 2005, a Canadian, walking alone where food dumps from energy development were common, was killed and eaten by four wolves.

There are four possible reasons for wolf attacks. The first, and the probable cause of the Canadian death, is habituation: wolves become accustomed to humans, begin to associate them with food, and lose their fear of humans. Rabies is the second reason, but rabies is rare in North American wolves. The third reason is predation. While a rabid wolf will bite savagely and then move on, a healthy wolf kills and eats its prey. Typically the victims of predation are children and women, and it’s more common in Asia than here. The fourth reason is defense. A cornered wolf may bite, but rarely kills.

Stay safe by remaining in a group. Avoid being prey by making lots of noise while hiking and setting up camp. Carry a large backpack to make yourself look larger, and spread out your arms and jacket, if you happen to see a wolf, to look even larger and scarier. Make sure your tent has a lantern because wolves don’t like light – but don’t shine it directly into their eyes, as that can trigger an attack. For worst case scenarios, carry a mountaineering axe for self defense. Finally, make a fire in front of your tent (if the area isn’t under a burn ban) and keep it going all night. Wolves fear fire. Don’t feed wolves, or leave food out, and report anyone who does to park or forest rangers.

(Sources: Linnell, J. D. C., R. Andersen, Z. Andersone, L. Balciauskas, J. C. Blanco, L. Boitani, S. Brainerd, U. Breitenmoser, I. Kojola, L. Liberg, J. Løe, H.Okarma, H. C. Pedersen, C. Promberger, K. Sand, E. J. Solberg, H. Valdmann, and P. Wabakken. 2002. The fear of wolves: A review of wolf attacks on humans. Norsk Intitutt for NaturforskningOppdragsmelding: 731:1-65; http://www.wolftrust.org.uk/a-wkp5-linnell-results.html; http://www.wolf.org/wolves/news/2005releases/123005_wolfattack.asp ; http://www.wolftrust.org.uk/faqpeople.html )

No other piece of gear represents the outdoors better than a good pair of sunglasses , which protect your eyes from the glare of the fresh powder on the slopes and that also keep your retinas from burning on the beach. Because the hot summer weather is here, slip on your favorite pair of shades while listening to these sunglass-inspired tunes on your iPod:

“Sunglasses at Night” (Written and performed by Corey Hart)
The first single released off his debut album “First Offense,” this was one of the most memorable techno love songs from the 1980’s. According to several reports, though, Hart originally wrote “Sunglasses at Night” about a futuristic society where everyone had to wear their shades after dark. To make it more commercial, he was asked to change the lyrics.

“The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades” (Performed by Timbuk 3)
This high-energy song came off “Greetings from Timbuk 3,” the debut album of the group formed by Barbara and Pat MacDonald. The lyrics are told from the perspective of a nuclear science student, who is blinded by his massive earnings potential. Pat MacDonald had said, though, that the song contained a grimmer message about the threat of nuclear destruction.

“Cheap Sunglasses” (Performed by ZZ Top)
Definitely an 80’s tune, this ZZ Top song celebrates the glories of cheap eyewear, no matter if they help ease a painful hangover or accentuate the beauty of a pretty girl.

“Shades”(Sung by Dean Martin)
No list of sunglass songs is complete without one from Dean Martin, a member of the famous “Rat Pack” during the 1960’s. Dino sang this romantic ballad about a brokenhearted man who hides his teary eyes behind dark glasses, but nothing can truly hide the pain he’s feeling.

“Drivin’ into the Sun” (Performed by Sherrie Austin)
More of a love song than a warning about sunshine slowdowns on the highway, Austin sings of a love so powerful that it is as bright as driving into the sun without shades. She also warns listeners that the light will fade, though, on even the most powerful love.

Resources:
http://www.coreyhart.com/
http://www.sherrieaustin.net/more.html
http://www.coreyhart.com/