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.

For the past 3 years, several Zappos Team Members participate in the 8000 meter challenge . This is an outdoor hiking event that usually takes 24 hours, covers 3 mountains, and has an elevation span of 11000 feet. This year 13 Zappos folks are participating, as well as helping to raise money for The Big City Mountaineers. Chris P. from our outdoor performance team and Rosalind S. tell us more!

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/..., 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.

Anyone who enjoys the simplicity of the outdoors and the extravagance of luxurious hospitality should make it a point to visit Sheen Falls Lodge in Ireland. Sheen Falls Lodge was built as the summer residence of Marquis of Lansdowne and now serves as a home-away-from-home for tourists and nature lovers alike. The luxury hotel is located in the midst of 300 acres of woodland near Kenmare Bay in Ireland. Expect to spend a lot of your time outdoors when visiting this lovely hotel, because the activities are really endless.

Sheen Falls offers many outdoor activities on their private 300 acre estate; these activities include: garden tours, fishing, horseback riding, swimming, tennis, scenic walking tours, vintage car rides, and more. The concierge at Sheen Falls works with all of their guests individually to plan and organize the best activities available. Be sure to pack a good sturdy pair of hiking boots for many of these activities. The proper hiking boot will ensure that your feet and back will not be too sore enjoy all the sights and sounds Sheen Falls has to offer.

Sheen Falls Lodge has several restaurants within the premises of the estate; these restaurants serve a variety of tastes and preferences, in particular they excel at serving local and traditional Irish fare. The restaurants also have a large wine cellar to suit all tastes.

After spending much of the day outdoors, you may be tempted to relax inside for a change. Sheen Falls has a luxurious spa and health center, offering massages and other spa treatments. The Lodge also has a modern fitness facility for those that need more strenuous or individualized exercise.

There are many rooms available for rent, from small cottages to entire villas. Whatever it is you are looking for, you’ll find it here in the serene outdoors of Ireland.

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/adir..., http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/wildlife/problem_wildlife/bbear_encoun..., 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.