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Safety Checklist for Sunset or Sunrise Surveys in the Backcountry

  • We ask that you review the health and safety information below before going out into the backcountry to do a sunset or sunrise survey for bats (e.g. in talus).  Please think about the hazards and risk level which may be present for your survey along your planned route. Hiking in Colorado’s backcountry, especially on high-elevation talus, can be dangerous. You’re responsible for understanding this danger and managing your own safety while in the field. While volunteering for the CBW, always prioritize your safety. Please follow the safety guidance below:
  • Adequately prepare for your field visit by 1) planning a safe route, 2) developing a safety plan, and 3) telling someone you know ahead of time where you are going and when you will return.
  • Bring the appropriate equipment.  We recommend packing the following items.  Make sure that you have everything you need to stay safe in the backcountry.   We also recommend REI’s The Ten Essentials webpage to help you think about what personal gear you need to be safe and comfortable in the backcountry.
  • GPS unit (with extra batteries) OR 
  • GPS phone app (with an external phone battery)
  • Map(s) and compass (for backup navigation)
  • Appropriate clothing (be prepared for conditions to abruptly turn wet, windy, or cold)
  • Hiking boots with good ankle support
  • Water and food (bring extra in case the hike takes      longer than anticipated or you get lost)
  • Flashlight / headlamp (with extra batteries)
  • Phone / personal locator beacon (in case of emergency)
  • Sunscreen & sunglasses
  • First aid kit
  • Matches & fire starter
  • Emergency shelter (e.g. a space blanket)
  • Walking stick / trekking pole (optional)
  • Camera (or a phone capable of taking photos)
  • Go out with at least one other adult. 
  • Check the weather before you go out and do not visit sites if thunderstorms or inclement weather are predicted. Check out the National Weather Service website for weather forecasts.
  • Make sure you are completely confident in your ability to navigate and stay safe in the backcountry. Potential risks of alpine hiking in Colorado include (but aren’t limited to) getting lost or injured, heat sickness, altitude sickness, dehydration, lightning, wild animals, sudden changes in weather, and wildfire.
  • In case of an emergency, immediately call 911. Since you may be out of cell phone range at your site, we recommend bringing a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), like an InReach. A PLB enables you to send a 911 signal when you are out of cell phone range, helping search and rescue workers to find you in an emergency.
  • Avoid walking on talus.  Talus can be unstable and dangerous to walk on.  If you must walk on talus, take care to 1) place your feet carefully and keep your weight centered on two rocks at the same time with each step (since a single rock can shift easily), 2) consider wearing gloves to protect your hands, and 3) ensure that your partner isn’t in the path of any rocks that may be dislodged by your movement.
  • Plan ahead and ensure that you do your survey in a location that is not far from your backcountry campsite or vehicle.
  • For a sunrise survey, plan to complete your survey and hike back to your vehicle site visit well before afternoon thunderstorms begin.  For sunset surveys, choose nights that are clear without any chance of thunderstorms.   If a storm approaches while you’re in the field, descend immediately to avoid being caught in the open. 
  • If you do get caught in a storm, follow this lightning protocol:
  • Get to a lower elevation / less exposed area as quickly & safely as possible.
    • Look for an area of uniformly high objects without water nearby.
    • In a forest, shelter in a low area with many small trees (ideally surrounded by taller trees).
    • If caught in an open area, seek shelter in a valley or low spot that won’t accumulate water.
    • Do not stand under or near an isolated tree or small group of trees.
    • Do not be the tallest object in your immediate area (as you would on a ridge or in a meadow).
  • If your skin is tingling, your hair is standing on end, wrappers are crumpling, metal objects (like zippers) are ringing, or if lightning/thunder are occurring nearby, drop to the ground and assume lightning position: squat with your feet together on your backpack, do not have anything touching the ground, clasp your hands behind your head, and try to keep your head lower than your shoulders
  • Stay near your partner, but try to be 30 feet apart while in lightning position.