(WWJ) -- With a recent surge in people heading to state parks, the Department of Natural Resources is also seeing a record number of hikers in need of rescue.
In an average year, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in the Upper Peninsula usually has about 12 to 18 rescue missions. But in 2020, rangers rescued 52 people who lost their way or became injured.
Of those who needed to be rescued, three people died.
So far this year, there have been 29 rescue missions, and rangers fear numbers could surpass last year.
Ron Olson, Parks and Recreation Chief for the DNR, tells the Detroit News that rescues are soaring because of an influx of new hikers and visitors.
Many of the inexperienced hikers often underestimate the difficulty of the terrain, which can lead to injury. They also may not be skilled in navigation, and could get lost on the trails in the 60,000-acre park.
Rangers suggest that hikers refrain from relying on cell phones for navigation, as reception can be spotty in the park.
They also recommend that park goers limit their weight-load so they do not become exhausted while hiking, and bring plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
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