ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) — More hikers are expected to take to the trails as temperatures continue to warm up in Albuquerque. While those trails get busier, KRQE is taking a deeper look into how you can stay safe this season.
We spoke with Albuquerque Fire and Rescue Public Information Officer Lt. Jason Fejer on how to prepare yourself before you head for the hills. He broke it down like this: preventing hiking accidents consists of education, preparation, and a little bit of common sense. That preparation starts with the simple things, like making sure you have plenty of water, a calorie-dense snack, and proper footwear. He also recommends understanding the terrain and the elevation of the trail before you head out. If you want to take it a step further, installing a commercially available GPS or using a trail map can help you stay on track during your trek.
Frejer says a GPS locator can also speed up the department’s rescue time if a hiking accident does occur.
“The best way [for the department to find a lost or stuck hiker] is to actually have one of those apps on your phone that has a trail map, which is gonna identify the trail that you’re actually on, and can provide a latitude and longitude,” said Frejer. “A GPS location speeds up our process in these rescues exponentially. If we have to actually try to locate where you’re at, that increases the time we can get to you and get you back to safety and get you transported to the hospital.”
If the worst does happen and you find yourself stuck or lost, Frejer says you should absolutely call 911, and you should not hesitate. He explains that the department has seen situations where people waited on calling, thinking maybe they can get themselves out, or hobble down the hill to get help on their own. That can delay AFR’s initial response, and allow time for the sun to start setting, which can add a whole different level of difficulty to the rescue process.
Rescues in the lower foothills can take a couple of hours, while more difficult terrain can take more like eight hours. For the longer, more complicated rescues, they might involve more first responders than you’d expect.
“If we get into some of these prolonged rescues, we do rely on our partnering agencies, and a lot of time, people are surprised by just how many personnel are on these rescues,” said Frejer. “They’re very labor-intensive. If we’re taking somebody off a mountain trail that’s not able to get out on their own, we usually bring them out on a wheel stokes basket, which involves a whole army of people.”
Those partnering organizations include Albuquerque Mountain Council, Cibola Search and Rescue, and New Mexico Search and Rescue. There’s also a heavy technical rescue crew that may get involved in more complicated rescues. All responding parties are EMTs or paramedics, who are trained in various types of rescue, such as high-angle and low-angle rope. You’re likely to see AFR Station 8, 12, 16, or even 20 if you are in need of rescue.
Outside of getting stuck or lost, there’s some other factors to have in mind when you’re out hiking. That includes staying mindful of leash laws, and keeping an eye out for any loose animals.
“The weather’s warming up, there’s more people on the trails – with that comes some responsibility about keeping your animals on a leash,” said Frejer. “All it takes is one animal off-leash that can end up jumping on someone, causing an injury, or a bite, or creating a dog fight. Just be respectful.”
Frejer mentioned there’s also some wildlife in the foothills, including black bears and bobcats. According to the National Park Service, most bears will avoid humans if they see them coming. It’s recommended you make an effort to be extra noticeable if you’re in an area with known bear activity. If you are attacked by a black bear, NPS advises you not to play dead, and instead, escape or fight back.
As for bobcats, Humane World For Animals says they’re often nocturnal, but can be seen during daytime when they’re hunting or foraging for food. This is especially true from April to July, when they’re more likely to have dependent young. If a bobcat has been regularly fed by humans, it may even approach you. In those cases, they can be easily scared away through loud noises, throwing an object, or spraying them with water.
Frejer says you could also run into some deer when out in the foothills. They aren’t typically known for their aggression, but if they have fawns nearby, their protective instinct could cause them to get a bit hostile.
Wildlife worries and worst-case scenarios aside, there’s plenty of reasons to take a hike this season. Getting out on the trails can provide numerous physical and mental health benefits. Hiking helps with stronger muscles and bones, as well as your sense of balance and even your heart health. Mentally, getting outdoors can decrease your risk of anxiety and depression.