This serious condition may require medical assistance. If you are hiking and see a storm developing, retreat to a lower location to reduce your risk of a lightning strike. Avoid water, ridges, isolated trees, and boulders. If you feel the tingle of an electrical charge building up, kneel down, lean forward, and place your hands on your knees. Do not seek refuge under rock overhangs.
All thermal pools are near or above boiling temperature.
Venturing off marked trails or boardwalks is extremely hazardous and prohibited, as the thin crusts around thermals may suddenly break. Be especially careful with small children, who seem irresistibly attracted to water and mud. To lessen your risk of being bitten by ticks, which can carry disease, stay on trails and avoid going into grassy, brushy areas. You'll be glad to know that no ticks carrying Lyme disease have been found in Yellowstone to date. However, there have been cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, an illness transmitted by the Rocky Mountain wood tick.