Expected and Unexpected Risks for Canoe Travel in Flood Conditions

Flood conditions present dangers for canoe camping, with the highest risk injury or death related to water submersion of paddlers. Other hazards can exist at high stages as well. This essay discusses preparation risks associated travel during record flood in Alabama’s Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. It examines unique aspects paddling through submerged forests, route detours necessitated by flooding, potential encounters dangerous wildlife, and case a stinging ant attack on paddler who unexpectedly comes contact displaced colony. The Delta is second largest delta contiguous United States. Located entirely southwest Alabama encompassing 777 km2 (300 mi2) (Figure 1), it 64 km (40 mi) long serpentine tangle crisscrossed rivers, bayous, creeks, land masses accessible primarily boat. has been fascination E.O. Wilson, famed biologist University Research Professor Emeritus Harvard, whose childhood was spent nearby Mobile, Alabama. Wilson articulated similarities between Amazon Delta: “The me writ large. miniature wilderness, exotic, mysterious had reputation being impenetrable.”1Walker S. Holt D. In Realm Rivers. New South Books, Montgomery, AL2004: 186Google Scholar Wilson’s description may explain why, despite its juxtaposition large metropolitan area, few but most accomplished outdoor enthusiasts enter Biting insects, alligators, moccasins, black bears, feral swine are all possible wilderness encounters. lack human intrusion creates pristine convenient located along highly populated US Gulf Coast. Indeed, said one “the places where you leave city head into less than an hour.”1Walker For last 19 y, I have regularly camped, canoed, explored 2020, medicine senior elective expedition presented unprecedented challenges. serves classroom medical students completing their elective. Our February 2020 class faced river system stage. According States Geological Survey (USGS) national information (February 2020), we were soon experience levels 40 y. good conditions, land-based campsites presents difficulties camping. However, flooding this magnitude exacerbates problem, covering forest floor 3 6 m 2), diminishing options, consolidating wildlife such (Sus scrofa) high-ground spaces near 3). We made acutely aware danger campsite owner Luke Adams, repeatedly warned “wild hogs” his property. An additional hazard navigating stage includes unavoidable routes bringing paddlers close proximity tree canopy, which harbor insects snakes 4). Although majority latter nonpoisonous, cottonmouth moccasins (Agkistrodon piscivorus) often bask branches dead trees overhanging water2Burkett R.D. Natural history moccasin, Agkistrodon piscivorus (Reptilia).University Kansas Publications, Museum History. 1966; 17: 435-491Google drop boats when startled.Figure 3Game camera photo vicinity training campsite. Photo courtesy Larry Yonge.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)Figure 4Snake tree. Cori (PPT) Preparations decision-making will be discussed, well invasive species fire rafts that occur flooding. hope help others prepare comparable ecosystems. preparing course, screen issues. assess ability swim then require personal flotation devices warrant. Before expedition, spend 2 weekends instruction basic skills, map compass use, techniques, 20-h first aid course. time allows instructors student boating skills abilities. curriculum included lectures moving-water safety excerpted from American Red Cross Small Craft Safety Program.3The National CrossSmall Safety. Mosby Lifeline, St. Louis, MO1998: 39-88Google Flooding any winter rains increases drowning due formation strainers immersion cold water.4Farstad D.J. Luttrell J.M. Flush cause whitewater deaths.Wilderness Environ Med. 2020; 31: 11-15Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (4) Google taught avoidance foot entrapment practiced victim rescue techniques how right capsized canoe. Canoe maneuvering current simulated racing obstacle course man-made lake. Boating partners assigned ensure least 1 each craft proficient, experienced canoeist stern d travel. convoy spacing, importance maintaining visual boats, paddle signal communication directions warnings drilled before departure. provided multiple challenges our crew 12 instructors. weeks leading up monitored USGS daily determine whether would fall below 9.1 (30 ft) 5). event remained high, visited various put-in points ascertain unpredictable currents, obscured landmarks, extent several strategic 6).Figure 6Flooded Lynn conferred about cancel expedition. Delta, rapids rare rivers creeks overflow banks. Venturi effects diminished constricting riverbanks eliminated submersion. could Class II white water3The main channels, more commonly safer zones moving slowly heavily wooded forests. Years well-maintained notes reconnaissance told us island under 6.1 (20 water, forced cleave approximately 24 (15 80.5 (50 itinerary. Choosing launch downriver access point, team paddled over roadbed until found bridge marking entry body known Globe Creek, established starting point. During natural banks small feeding larger overflow, making difficult recognize normal Thus, necessary rely methods navigation negotiate water. method involved following downstream recognizable landmark. Global positioning standard expeditions, topographic maps preferred because size superior receiver’s screen. tools combined, global generated track superimposed location. provides opportunities directly allowing shortcuts waterways. advantageous trying avoid wind waves wide bodies create other risks. On day 2, overland tract woods laden small-diameter saplings 4.6 (15–20 tall. spotted suspended intertwined 46 cm (18 in) above Moments later, colony fell tree, enveloping student. initially described seeing hundreds ants her left arm. Peeling off outer layers, discovered underneath clothing. She called began biting neck, upper back, scalp. With assistance canoes stabilize boat, stripped down underwear, rinsed body, redressed. Once settled, she administered Benadryl hydrocortisone cream kit ate caffeinated jellybeans counteract sedative effect antihistamine. After collision partner small, black, definitely single big mass. similar what observed 7) pointed out they fallen shaken working way past. chaos standing disrobing rid herself accurate identification afterthought. further reflection, realized incident exemplified expeditions ecosystems should prepare. environment, routinely reminded look spot poisonous hornet nests, never ants. contacted Dr. John McCreadie, entomologist provide detailed regarding behavior location encounter. He shared entomologists Georgia Clemson University. written correspondence (August agreed offending certainly type ant. All believe formed raft drifted contact. Fire general term used describe deliver painful sting common name genus Solenopsis. There 16 members Solenopsidini tribe Alabama.5MacGown J.A. Forster A preliminary list (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Alabama.Entomol News. 2005; 116: 61-74Google no sample collected, clearly dark color 8) narrowed further. believed Solenopsis hybrid imported listed pest encountered humans: invicta x richteri.6MacGown Ants (Formicidae) Southeastern States.https://mississippientomologicalmuseum.org.msstate.edu/Researchtaxapages/Formicidaepages/faunal.lists/Common_Pest_Ants.htmlDate accessed: August 19, 2020Google From perspective, remember occupies much southern responsible 95% North clinical cases.7Needleman R.K. Neylan I.P. Erickson T. Potential environmental ecological climate change venomous terrestrial wilderness.Wilderness 2018; 29: 226-238Abstract (29) credited discovering continental States, 1942.8Wilson Tales Ant World. Liveright Publishing Corporation, York, NY2020: 47-51Google cannot sure ants, worth knowing likely suspect. area flooded levels. entire emerge nest form free-floating, amoeba-like ball 7). Institute Technology 2011 mechanism survival.9Mlot N.J. Tovey C.A. Hu D.L. self-assemble waterproof survive floods.Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2011; 108: 7669-7673Crossref (194) floods, build waterproof, flexible fabric (called rafts) clamping mandibles claws onto another. moderately hydrophobic, cooperative action traps air lower mat oxygen systematically trade keep queen alive afloat safe. find documentation incidents dropping trees, scientists consulted theorize living receded. float come stationary object level, including branch.8Wilson They stay place mound re-established soil. toxicity also interest healthcare workers disaster relief after floods hurricanes. Linda Bui, Louisiana State University, impressed bands unexplained rashes legs abdomens victims waded floodwaters Hurricane Katrina. Bui “literally stings top stings.” Victims classic wheal flare response10Fitzgerald K.T. Insects-Hymenoptera.in: Peterson M.E. Talcott P.A. Animal Toxicology. 3rd ed. Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA2013: 573-588Crossref (3) venom later coauthored article documenting develop sacs finding why flooding.11Papillion A.M. Hooper-Bui L.M. Strecker R. volume sac Formicidae).Sociobiology. 57: 301-308Google fact, 87% compared conditions.12Haight K.L. Defensiveness ant, invicta, increased rafting.Insectes Soc. 2006; 53: 32-36Crossref (24) able anchoring themselves jaws while sting. them remove stinger, rotate, again. times moments.12Haight Because anchored, best dislodge rub off,13Nester PR. ants: protecting yourself your family. Texas A&M Agrilife Extension. 2014:1–3Google hold target. protein alkaloid nature generally causes fluid-filled vesicles characteristic stings.14Golden D.B.K. Stinging insect allergy.Am Fam Physician. 2003; 67: 2541-2546PubMed order Hymenoptera15Erickson T.B. Marquez A. Arthropod envenomation parasitism.in: Auerbach P.S. Wilderness Medicine. 6th PA2012: 925-954Google occasionally anaphylactic reactions. exception shows limited cross-reactivity vespid allergen.14Golden Vespidae family yellow jackets, hornets, wasps. Individuals allergic vespids cautious exposure amplified tendency en masse become defensive hymenoptera symptoms instant pain, reaction, variable edema.15Erickson Allergy serious aspect stings. Anaphylaxis syndromes source relatively emergencies.15Erickson estimated 0.4% population some degree allergy venoms, 50 deaths reported annually.15Erickson Fatal anaphylaxis reported,15Erickson 2016 woman died secondary stings.16Montgomery AdvertiserAlabama dies bites. May 28, 2016.https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/2016/05/27/woman-dies-fire-ant-bites/85042210/Date December 18, Considering number received, fortunate did not systemic reaction. student’s self-administered postencounter therapy oral antihistamines lessened itching.15Erickson Topical steroids doubtful value. Oral corticosteroid effective reducing inflammation swelling Had condition worsened, both prednisone epinephrine reactions available instructor kit.15Erickson local mistaken cellulitis. These characterized severe (20–25 cm), developing 48 h. Antibiotic needed reactions.14Golden Breaking blisters avoided15Erickson skin infections fairly antibiotics planned camp next nights areas well-documented herds (sounders) Feral decimate areas, pollute streams sources,16Montgomery compete native food. Their diet consists mammals turkey, quail, reptile eggs. impose ecosystem so there neither bag limits nor designated hunting season them. Department Conservation Resources quotes studies suggesting 80% must removed just populations continuing grow.17Alabama Resources. Control hogs.https://www.outdooralabama.com/node/2301Date 24, encourages multifaceted approach control sounders, carrying firearm private property opportunity one.17Alabama Lethal practical widely control.18Hamrick B. Smith M.D. Jaworowski C. Strickland landowner’s guide wild pig management. Mississippi Extension Service & Cooperative System, 2016: 8-9Google camped night harvests reduce damage sensitive ecosystem. minimized learn pressure.18Hamrick humans without provocation19Gunduz Turedi Nuhoglu I. Kalkan Turkmen Wild boar attacks.Wilderness 2007; 18: 117-119Abstract (28) animal fear forest. coached food locked containers tents back away climb tree20Mayer JJ. attacks humans. Proceedings 15th Wildlife Damage Management Conferences. Armstrong AB, Gallagher GR, eds. 2013:17–35.Google if hog. Injuries involve soft tissue lacerations extremities sharp canine incisor tusks 9). Potentially lethal parts falls escape. ferociously tusks.19Gunduz rare, fatalities occur.21Bogel-Burroughs N. Woman killed hogs front yard home. York Times. Print Edition. November 27, 2019. Section A, page 18.Google saw signs campsites, sightings occurred trip. significant challenge perhaps canoeing. 40-y unaware enough vertical clearance beneath CSX railroad crossing Tensaw 10). currents north sought safe passage via route, swept structure, capsizing canoes. As approached bridge, scouted gauged space inadequate passage, communicated radio members. turned west, mounded track, unmarked underpass deep there, rejoin channel south. Portaging across active considered. By using alternate avoided reversing ending trip prematurely. camping inherent matter Instructor experience, training, radios communication, attention vital ensuring group welfare. do necessitate postponing care advance departure taken obstacles. Despite efforts gather flood, foresee encountered: trestle clearance. unknown perils placed jeopardy. Therefore, imperative only trained expected carry well-equipped unexpected possess confidence pause, reassess, search alternative, routes.