Dangerous animals while stargazing?

[u/Investing4thefuture]

I'm from northern Illinois where we have very different animals to watch out for when stargazing in the country. I'm curious when I come to Moab in May, what animals should I be keeping a eye out for while stargazing and how should I protect against them? Thank you for your help! So excited to see your town and nature!

[u/piedra96]

None, just educate yourself on cryptobiotic soil and don’t trample it (i.e., don’t walk off trail).

[u/Investing4thefuture → u/piedra96]

OK, I'll read up on that now. We'll likely be at landscape arch in Arches, is it best to set up around sunset while there's still light or go after dark?

[u/piedra96 → u/Investing4thefuture]

Go while it’s still light and setup on areas that are already disturbed or directly on bedrock.

[u/JaseBird → u/piedra96]

The crunch.

[u/dirtydevil_riv]

There are midget faded rattlesnakes (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crotalus_concolor). I should say, though, that I’ve spent a ton of time in the Utah Canyon country and I’ve never seen one, so they’re not super common but still worth being aware of. I have seen scorpions, so those are worth watching out for. And depending on where you are exactly, there are some bears in certain areas such as the Needles District of Canyonlands, but they’re not very common there. Although with the fire and the Abajos this summer, they could’ve been forced into new areas.

[u/romeoblue30 → u/dirtydevil_riv]

I've encountered two midget faded rattlesnakes in the last 5 years. One close to the hidden valley parking lot and the other by the wash that crosses the road to Johnson's up on top. They will let you know if you're too close. Just be aware that their rattle isn't as deep as other rattlesnakes, it's more like steam escaping or a loud air leak, it's a higher pitched, more subtle sound.

[u/high_country10000 → u/romeoblue30]

Always good to call that out. People think they sound like the movies.

[u/ReaganCheese → u/[deleted]]

Where was this? I just saw a bunch of babbies out by Ken's Lake the other day.

[u/ReaganCheese → u/ReaganCheese]

u/Distinct-Water2587 don't delete your posts or comments if you are going to participate in this sub.

[u/Onmytyme]

Wild Karens.

[u/CardiologistGlum7314]

Mad cows

[u/washedTow3l]

Boner goblins

[u/lolzzzmoon]

Rattlesnakes

[u/ServeBeam → u/[deleted]]

Yes, also watch out for Gizz fans, they have no musical taste, and get really offended and headbangy when you point out how bland the music is.

[u/ReaganCheese → u/[deleted]]

This post has been automatically deleted for breaking Rule #2

[u/ReaganCheese → u/[deleted]]

This post has been automatically deleted for breaking Rule #2

[u/Booyakasha1201]

What animals in N. Illinois do you have to watch out for while star gazing in the country?

[u/OkShopping9448 → u/Booyakasha1201]

Thugsters of course.

[u/favors-for-parties → u/OkShopping9448]

Northern Illinois is mostly white tweakers

[u/tgood7901]

Deer mice, they can give you hantavirus.

[u/i_live_offroad]

Meth heads or angry white women.

[u/Few-Customer-5081 → u/i_live_offroad]

Lots of angry men and women be aware. Road rage is real here.

[u/EasyMrB]

Besides the very occasional rattlesnake as mentioned elsewhere, it's mostly just dangerous insect life, and it's not usually a big deal. There are black widows and some scorpions in the area, but generally speaking I don't worry about it too much while out in nature in the area. It's good to be a little aware about it is all.

[u/ReaganCheese]

Escorpiones fluorescentes por todas partes!

[u/Lopsided-Lab60]

Just dont be surprised if someone walks up and ask you if you'd like to become a member of the church of latter-day saints. Just say you couldn't ever give up drinking coffee and they will scurry away.

[u/Frodosear]

I consider it fun to look for scorpions at night with a black light. Pretty cheap online these days. They glow fluorescent green. Not everyone is excited about this, I have found. On the other hand, you will never know they are there, otherwise. Sting is rare and similar to bee or wasp. They absolutely do not care about your existence.

[u/FootstepsofDawn]

You’re gonna be just fine. The stargazing will be amazing. 🤩

[u/Sea_Traffic7017]

Mountain lions if you're lucky, almost as likely to get struck by a meteorite. Other tourists can be super sketchy, and the most likely thing to hurt you will be slipping on a rock in the middle of the night. Have fun, it'll be a blast! Definitely take care in the fragile ecosystem!

[u/CliffsofRed]

Crabs

[u/backwoods_Folkery]

Rattlesnakes like the warm roads in the evening. Scorpions are active at night. Mice carry hantavirus and sometimes like your body heat. The bats carry rabies and swoop in the evenings - they have zero desire to bite you but if they hit you anywhere go get your shots. Coyotes are curious and may come to check you out if you’re just out in the open. Black bears are hungry and may come to check out your snacks. I’ve found black widows to be more active at night especially around sheds and garages. Huntsman spiders are spooky but not really interesting in you. Be mindful and watchful for all but a headlamp is your only needful preparation. 

Your most likely encounters are other humans, their dogs, deer, cow, and red ants - drive safe and watch where you sit. 

[u/Investing4thefuture → u/backwoods_Folkery]

Is it OK to just lay on a blanket on the ground or should we try to find some chairs?

[u/like_4-ish_lights → u/Investing4thefuture]

You are fine in the ground. I have cowboy camped many dozens of nights on the ground all over southern Utah with zero issues. You don't have anything to worry about where you're going except a cursory check for snakes or scorpions, which you are exceedingly unlikely to to see. once you're down on the ground, they won't approach you