Snakes, alligators, mice, spiders, ticks, bears, etc. are just part of the natural setting right? Some are poisonous, some can cause damage, some carry diseases.

As a staff member, you live in the area and have acquired a lot of information about them. It’s a part of your job, no big deal. But if things escalate, plans in place to address the concern or risk.

However, with more and more guests coming from an urban setting and guests coming from out-of-state, below are some questions you might discuss with your staff:

• How do bugs and critters fit into our mission? What needs to be managed and what can be left alone?
• When do we inform the guests? How do we do it in a manner that builds awareness but doesn’t cause panic? Are there varying degrees of information (some for staff, some for guests)?
• Where do we inform the guests (web, packet, orientation, signage?)
• How can we educate in the context of a natural setting?
• When should guests inform us of encounters? Do we need to document anything?

About the series. Each month, a site and facilities question will be posed that you can discuss with your staff.