To The Teacher
Biological Considerations:
Some Simple Precautions

Snakes   - The copperhead is the only poisonous snake found in all seven Bay area State Parks. First Landing/Seashore and possibly Chippokes have the venomous cottonmouth. Both are reclusive. To be safe, however, all snakes are best left alone, and everyone should pay close attention to where they place their feet and hands, especially in dense vegetation.

Mammals   - A class may catch a glimpse of secretive mammals such as a raccoon, skunk or fox. Park mammals are never intentionally fed or kept as "pets," so if a mammal does not flee when approached, or is otherwise acting strange, it may be sick, possibly with rabies. Steer the class away and report it to a ranger.

"Bugs"   - All parks have their share of gnats, mosquitoes, deer flies, chiggers and ticks. Thick undergrowth often harbors both ticks and chiggers. Commercial insect repellents are usually adequate to keep park "bugs" at bay. Ticks occasionally transmit serious disease. Since ticks can be active during any mild weather, students should get a careful tick check from a parent after returning home. Ticks often attach in the scalp and on tender skin such as around the groin.

Poison ivy    - is abundant in all seven Bay area Parks. It may appear as a low shrub or as a woody vine. The main stem on mature plants may be covered with brown "hair." The leaves are smooth and shiny above, and are divided into three distinct leaflets. The fruits are clusters of small berries, which turn white when ripe. Anyone coming into contact with poison ivy should wash the area with soap immediately.