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What do I need to know?
When you are visiting or living in a foreign country, you need to know a little about it so you can avoid accidentally breaking the law or getting into danger. Each place is different, so it’s nice to be aware of things here that might be different from your country.
This section is for things like that. If you think of more of them, please write to us so we can add them!
Do not feed coyotes. They are cute, and so are bobcats, but they are wild animals, and they kill people’s pets. Do not ever feed them.
The most dangerous spiders are the black widow and the brown recluse spider. You can read about them so you know one when you see one.
Sadly, the big grizzly bear on the California state flag no longer exists. They are now extinct. We only have the black bear species (which can sometimes be also brown). Here is what to do if you encounter a black bear. If you plan to go camping, please read this first:
https://bearwise.org/bear-safety-tips/bear-encounter/
You will probably not see a mountain lion unless you go on a trail or live way out in the country. However, occasionally, they do appear. Here is what to do if you encounter one on a trail:
https://www.advnture.com/features/what-to-do-if-you-meet-a-mountain-lion
IMPORTANT: Please follow these precautions Americans take
NO hitchhiking
You may come from a country where it is safe to get a ride by hitchhiking (standing on the side of the road and putting your thumb up to attract a ride from a stranger). Never do that here! It's dangerous. Likewise, do not pick someone up who is hitchhiking.
Go with others when in the park late or early hours.
Also, women, do not go to a park at night or early in the morning alone.
Keep an eye on your children.
Do not turn your back on your children in a crowded place. Do not send them to school on a bike alone or walking alone.
Lost passport
What happens if I lose my passport?
First things first: You are NOT illegal in the USA, just because you lost or had your passport stolen.
The first thing you need to do is to get in touch with your country's Embassy/Consulate and get a new passport made for you. With that you can fly inside the USA and go back home. Your home country documents such as driver’s license may not be accepted in transit.
Please don't forget to inform your Revival Group Pastor.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE
A BEAR IN THE WILD
DO NOT RUN or climb a tree. They can do both faster and better than we can.
VIEWING ETIQUETTE
VIEWING ETIQUETTE
Respect a bear's space. Don’t get close
If a bear changes its behavior because of your presence, you are too close! Also, check with the park you are visiting for viewing distance regulations.
For example, Yellowstone National Park requires visitors to keep a distance of at least 100 yards (300 feet); Shenandoah National Park recommends 200 feet or more.
Stay in groups and minimize noise and movement. However, in areas of low visibility or when you're out on the trail, reduce chances of surprise encounters by staying alert and talking calmly to identify yourself as a human, not another animal.
Stay on designated trails whenever possible.
Leave "orphaned" or sick bears alone. Young animals that appear alone usually have a mother waiting nearby. Never get between a mother and her cub.
Leave pets at home.
Give bears room to pass. Do NOT run from a bear.
Let bears eat their natural foods. Prevent bears from getting human food by learning about food storage requirements:
Always keep your food within arm's reach and don't turn your back to your food.
In some parks, food may be stored inside your car as long as it is out of sight, with windows completely closed, and only during daylight hours.
Never store food in a pickup truck bed or strapped to the outside of a vehicle. Do NOT store food in your tent or backpack.
Wash dirty dishes immediately.
If a bear approaches you, it is your responsibility to move away and maintain a safe distance.
For more information click here
One more: When in the forest, avoid the POISON OAK plant.
If you touch it, you will have an itchy, red rash and maybe blisters. Avoid plants with 3 leaves.
Read about it here: https://www.almanac.com/poison-oak-identification-and-treatment
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