Hiking in the Swamp

Hiking in a swamp draws as much curiosity as it sparks a sense of danger. It is often depicted as a spooky place where alligators hide behind every corner waiting to strike the moment that you aren’t looking. However, swamps have amazing trees, birds and other creatures that you will never be able to see anywhere else. Swamps are part of American folklore, especially in the warmer states, and deserve the chance to be explored. I know what you are thinking, “What about those alligators? What about the snakes? What about all the other dangers?” This suggestion list offers you some safety standards to put your mind at ease. It is always recommended to learn about the park’s dangers and chances of adventures on an individual basis.

Okefenokee Swamp Aug. 2017

Summer heat in the swamp

This isn’t as much of a safety tip, as a suggestion. The best time to visit the swamps of the south is during the winter months. Not only will it give you something to do as hiking season comes to a close in the winter up north, but it will also make your swamp adventures a lot more comfortable. Summer, in the swamp, brings with it the nesting season of alligators, bugs, humidity, and miserable heat that regularly hits triple digits. In the early morning, the heat is bearable if you are feeling like venturing outside on a summer day into the lush green swamp. Do be mindful to stay on the path to not awaken grumpy animals that just went to bed.

The best summertime adventure we can advise is kayaking. Often the alkalinity of the swamp will keep the bugs at bay at least when on the water (this does not apply to standing water off waterways). Check with the ranger or warden at the park you are going to in order to get information about closures and general information to minimize the risk of getting lost or entering a dangerous area. For the same reason, always bring a map of all the waterways and notes along with a compass. Do this even if you have a guide with you, just in case you get separated or disoriented.  

Jacksonville, FL Dec 2016

How about them Gators?

So you have decided to go hiking in the swamp! The first question you may have is “What about alligators?” The chance of being attacked by an alligator is 1 in 2.4 million, which is about the same as being attacked by a bear. However, just like bears, there are certain safety precautions you can take to avoid being an alligator snack.

1. Don’t poke it with a stick

This may seem strangely obvious but I have actually seen it happen. It is recommended that you keep at least 30 ft between you and the ancient reptile. If you want a photo of the creature use the zoom feature. The technology to get you close has gotten far in recent years.

2.   Don’t feed them

No one benefits from feeding an alligator. Alligators are excellent hunters and do well at getting a meal. Feeding them will get them used to humans which will make alligators believe that humans are a food source. This will likely make them more aggressive and less skittish towards humans. This can spill disaster for the poor alligator since it will most likely be put down. It is also against the law to feed an alligator.

3. If you see an Alligator don’t panic

If you see an alligator on the side of a water way, they are most likely just sunbathing. If the mouth is open, they are trying to cool down and lower their body temperature. Remember, they are nocturnal animals and will be doing their hunting at night. Generally, when an alligator feels threatened they will hiss as a warning sign. In that situation, just leave the area calmly. Don’t confront the alligator or try to kill it but report it to a game warden or park ranger if you believe it is a threat to humans.

4.  Kids and Pets are easy snacks

Especially in the evening and at night keep your little ones away from the water. That is when they are most active. An adult may be too much of an effort to hunt but kids and pets are the perfect size for a midnight snack. Also, watch for areas where dogs are not allowed, this is generally because of alligators. If you see these signs be extra careful with children.

Okefenokee Swamp Aug, 2017

Swamps are Wet

This may sound obvious but swamps can get you wet. Going into wet areas takes it’s own unique preparations. Luckily, if you are just hiking through on a regular trail your exposure to wet conditions should be minimal. However, if you are camping, you will be moving away from the trail and need to be more conscious of the conditions.

Shoes, are a big factor when tackling swampy terrain. Unless you are wading through the middle of the wettest part of the swamp, waterproof shoes may not be the best choice. Wearing water resistant boots will keep your feet dry but will also keep your sweat in since the waterproof barrier will keep the moisture from escaping.  This can cause hypothermia and other issues we will discuss later in the article. If you are hiking, keeping your feet dry from swamp water becomes a priority over sweat and rubber or water resistant shoes are your best option.

When camping remember to bring your waterproof or resistant barriers to keep yourself dry. If you are camping on the ground, bring a tarp or other barrier to keep your body dry. Hammock camping is popular in these areas since they are rich in trees, it has less impact on plants (if done properly), and keeps you off the wet ground.

Okefenokee Swamp Aug, 201

Hypothermia

As mentioned before, hiking in the swamp is wet and even in warm climates can cause hypothermia. The affliction normally reserved for freezing temperatures can only take 70 degree weather with immersion hypothermia. Immersion hypothermia is when the body is surrounded by water. This doesn’t always mean, a body of water but also wet clothing either from rain or a day’s worth of sweat. Water is such a factor for hypothermia because the thermal conductivity of water is up to 25 times greater than that of air.  In a previous article we discussed how cotton can lead to prolonged moisture exposure. Read it here.

Another danger in warm, wet regions related to hypothermia is Trench Foot. Trench Foot is the cool climate version of frostbite but only takes 60 degree weather to take effect. Trench foot (which is named after the combat style of WWI) is when your feet are submerged in constant moisture. Prolonged exposure to water destroys the capillaries in your feet and cause sores and swelling. In extreme cases gangrene can set in which can lead to amputation of a leg or foot.  If the infection continues to spread to the heart, it can result in death.

Jeans and cotton are notorious for maintaining water
Jekyll Island Marsh, Dec 2016 

What bugs you most about the Swamp

Bugs are the number one killer animal in Florida. Even something as innocent as a honey bee is more likely to kill you than a shark. However, due to the diseases they carry, mosquito and ticks are the most feared.   Zika and West Nile Virus in mosquitoes show no mercy and some species can grow to be as big as quarters. So what can we do against these little vampires? Even though this article is about swamps, mosquito prevention starts at home. Always remember to turn over containers and empty standing water to help keep the population down.

Sadly, southern mosquitos can be a bit more stubborn than the northern variety when it comes to being repelled. Which, isn’t surprising since Florida alone carries 80 different specifies of the pest. Unfortunately, DEET is going to be your best option when it comes to mosquito protection and longevity. However, make certain to keep it away from plastics since it has been know to damage the material. Eucalyptus - Lemon Oil also provides some protection against mosquitos but isn’t as long lasting. If you apply it often it is your best natural alternative. For more info please go here.

Sssssnakes and other bitey things

Snakes, arguably, are a creature everyone would squeal at when encountered on the trail. The best defense is to familiarize yourself with the different types of snakes so you can quickly identify them. If you get bitten by a snake, take a quick photo (for identification not instagram) and rush to the hospital. You don’t want to gamble with a snake bite. There are also kits available that you can use while making your way to a medical facility. However, the best solution for a snake bite is preventing getting one in the first place. Remember that snakes are more afraid of you than you are of them. Be mindful of where you step and avoid going off the trail. They should slither away before you even noticed they were there. Also, don’t try to kill the snake. Killing a snake increases your probability of being bitten and they are an important part of the ecosystem.

By avoiding bushes you are also avoiding dealing with spiders and ticks. When bitten by a spider, clean the wound immediately. If it’s a black widow or a brown recluse make your way to the hospital or doctor and get the bite treated before it can develop into an infection. For ticks, remove them as soon as possible and watch for rings developing around the bite over the next few days. If you discover rings get checked and treated for Lyme disease.

Hiking through the swamp is definitely an adventure of a lifetime. It may be scary at first but with basic safety tips you are prepared to safely explore these ecological wonders to the fullest.

Can you spot the snake? Okefenokee Swamp Jan, 2017