Wildlife

Do not feed or touch any of the wildlife as there is the possibility of acquiring the plague from fleas that live on the animals. Be aware of rattlesnakes and always check where you are stepping. Cougars (aka Mountain Lions) also inhabit the park but are rarely seen. If do encounter a cougar, do not run away! A cougar expects its prey to flee and will react appropriately. Stand your ground or slowly back away while facing the cougar. Attempt to make yourself appear as large as possible and pick up small children. If it advances, make loud noises and throw things at the cougar. If attacked, fight back. Report all cougar sightings to a park ranger. Ticks are prevalent in the park and may carry Lyme disease. To avoid tick bites, tuck pants legs into sock and tuck in shirts. If you do find an attached tick, remove it carefully with tweezers and seek medical advice from a ranger or a doctor.

Natural hazards

Poison oak is also present at elevations up to 5000 feet (1,500 m) in the park. It causes itching, burning rashes in the affected areas and is easily spread. Most trailheads have a bulletin board with a picture of poison oak. If you come in contact with poison oak, wash your clothes and the affected areas immediately. Avoid contact with your eyes. Water from natural sources should be treated or boiled before drinking as it may contain giardia, a protozoa that causes intestinal illness. Lightning can be a great hazard, especially on rock outcrops, on ridges or in meadows. If a storm approaches, try to get indoors or inside a vehicle. Do not stand under trees or in shallow caves.

Driving

Many of the roads in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are very steep. Use low gears when going downhill to avoid overheating and possible failure of the brakes. Slower traffic must use turnouts to let faster vehicles pass. Especially in winter, roads can be snow-covered or icy. For up-to-date road conditions, call +1 559 565-3341 then press 9, then 4. For 24-hour emergency towing, dial +1 559 565-3341, then press 0. In Sequoia NP, AAA service is available 24 hour for out-of-gas, lock outs, jump starts, and minor repairs. Call +1 559 565-4070.

Crime

Due to the remote nature of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, it is sometimes the site of illegal marijuana cultivation. If you come across a marijuana farm, immediately leave the area and report it to a park ranger. Do not linger in the area of the farm as the people who plant the farms are often armed and do not take kindly to visitors.