Staying Safe in the Winter Maine Woods

Winter doesn’t mean you can’t get out and enjoy nature. In fact, Maine has some of the most abundant natural resources and beautiful forests in the country, and they should be appreciated all year. That being said, the woodlands can be dangerous if you’re not well-versed on how to stay safe. Today, we’ll provide a refresher course on common dangers in the Maine woods and how to protect yourself.

Watch for Ice

 One of the biggest dangers in a winter forest is ice, whether on a lake or in the woods themselves. Ice regularly causes injuries; while most are minor to moderate, some are severe or even fatal if located in certain places such as the head or face. Ice’s color will tell you whether it’s safe or not. Clear blue ice is safest to walk on because it has had the longest to harden. White ice is generally safe, but be sure to wear sturdy shoes and walk softly. Avoid gray ice; it hasn’t hardened yet, and only provides a thin covering between you and dangerous water temperatures.

Keep to the Beaten Path

 No matter how experienced a woodsman or woods-woman you think you are, it’s still easy to get lost or disoriented in winter woods. The cold temperatures, lack of color, and snow covering familiar landmarks can throw anyone off. Thus, it’s best to stay on well-walked, clearly marked hiking, walking, or biking trails. Go out with at least one other person for extra protection. If you do get lost, look for ski prints, boot prints, or other signs of humans nearby. Stay calm and resist the urge to run around or change your location frequently.

Bundle Up

 You’d be surprised at how many people don’t dress appropriately for outdoor winter activities, even in states like Maine, known for their cold, snowy days. Always dress in layers if going outdoors for extended periods. Ideally, an overcoat should have a thin layer of cotton or lining next to the skin, followed by a thicker layer of sturdy material such as wool. For the coldest days, wear thick outermost layers of goose down, wool, fleece, or other especially warm materials. Make sure you have sturdy gloves, a hat or scarf, earmuffs, and insulated boots. On particularly cold days, wear two pairs of wool socks.

Know the Danger Signals

 Frostbite and hypothermia are possibly the biggest obstacles you will face in winter forests, so it’s crucial to know the signs. The initial sign of hypothermia is hunger and/or nausea. As hypothermia sets in, the victim will become disoriented and confused. He or she may have slurred speech and lethargy. Do not let a hypothermia victim sit down or fall asleep; he or she will become comatose and could die. Call for emergency help immediately.

Frostbite occurs in several degrees and causes numbness in affected extremities. First-degree frostbite is superficial and reversible, while second and third-degree frostbite are characterized by blisters and severely damaged tissue. In third-degree frostbite, tissue will turn black as it dies, progressing to fourth-degree frostbite, wherein tendons and bones freeze. Severe frostbite may require amputation, so seek treatment immediately.