Summer Heat Brings Plenty Of Fun, Danger Warnings To MA

MASSACHUSETTS — Summertime weather is fleeting in New England so the next few months are a time for most to get out, enjoy the sun and maybe the water, and make the most of the warm temperatures before the days once again get darker and the leaves begin to fall.

But while there is plenty to do across the region with hiking trails open, streets closed for outdoor dining, concerts and block parties in many communities, and public pools, spray parks and beaches opening, there are also risks that come with the season that people should know about when planning out their summer days.

Patch has put together a roundup of some things to do — and some reasons to be wary — ahead of the hot summer season.

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation opened its beaches and many spray pads over the Memorial Day weekend, but DCR's pools spread across the state will open later in the season. For the 2024 season, DCR will open pools on June 22, and the facilities will remain open until Aug. 18.

The full list of DCR-operated pools set to open June 22 can be found here.

DCR's 81 freshwater and saltwater beaches opened last week, and most will remain open until Labor Day weekend at the beginning of September.

Find a list of all freshwater beaches here, and ocean beaches here.

A warmer, less snowy winter is great during the depths of January and February, but residents in
Massachusetts may pay a toll for the mild winter when it comes to ticks and the diseases they carry.

The state Department of Conservation earlier in May issued a broad warning about a potentially higher tick population this spring and summer thanks to a warmer winter.

Ticks carry a host of serious diseases. The common deer tick (also called a black-legged tick) spreads Lyme, while the equally common dog tick carries a bacterium that causes the potentially deadly Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. A case of the serious Powassan virus was recently confirmed in Massachusetts thanks to a tick.

(Also on Patch: MA Tick Warning: Pestilent Bloodsuckers A Threat After Warm Winter)

Then there are the snakes.

Here are some things you need to know about coexisting with them in Massachusetts as they awake from their refreshing winter brumation (in the reptile world, that's the equivalent of hibernation).

One of the most important of these things is that Massachusetts has two species of venomous snakes. The timber rattlesnake and the copperhead are the only venomous snakes found anywhere in the Bay State. Both live in only a few areas of the state and are considered endangered species, according to MassWildlife.

(Also on Patch: These Venomous Snakes May Join You On Walks, Jogs And Hikes Around MA)

Speaking of wildlife, if you have spotted a fox or two in your neighborhood — perhaps for the first time this spring — you are not alone as both red and gray fox sightings are way up across the state.

While foxes typically won't bother you if you don't bother them, they are capable of and willing to live very close to human populations in dens built in parks, underneath porches or sheds, or in wooded areas of backyards, and parents will be protective of their young. They are also active both day and night so seeing a fox in daylight is not normally a cause for concern.

Foxes also set up shop in the spring when kitting and then will move on after a couple of months when when the baby foxes are ready to roam on their own.

In Beverly, Animal Control did report last week that multiple members of its fox community are currently showing signs of Sarcoptic Mange. Symptoms are severe itching, hair loss, and red skin.

Clinical Signs of Mange: Adult male and female mites burrow through the superficial layers of the skin, creating complex networks of burrows in which they defecate, mate, and lay their eggs. The burrowing mites and their biological products are extremely irritating to the host and result in hypersensitivity reactions that cause inflammation and pruritus (itching). The resultant scratching causes significant trauma to the skin which develops thick grey, foul smelling crusts with extensive hair loss.

In red foxes, hair loss begins around the elbows, hocks, and tail base, and subsequently spreads to the ventral abdomen, neck and face. The extreme discomfort and hair loss caused by this disease over weeks to months leads to the death of the animal due to a combination of starvation and exposure to the elements.

Outbreaks among foxes in Massachusetts are typically allowed to run their course and animals infected with mange should not be considered a threat to humans.

When it comes to your own four-legged friends, residents are reminded of the dangers of hot walking surfaces and to never leave a dog or cat in a car during warm or hot weather. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees within 10 minutes.

When the air temperature reaches 95 degrees, it creates a 120-degree surface temperature on sand, a 140-degree temperature on concrete and a searing 155-degree temperature on asphalt.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has also issued a series of warnings when it comes to the potential of heat stroke.

Extreme heat can be dangerous and even life-threatening if proper precautions are not taken. In extreme heat and high humidity, the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.

According to MEMA, most heat-related illnesses occur because the victim has been over-exposed to heat or has over-exercised for his or her age and physical condition. Although anyone can suffer from a heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Those at greater risk include older adults, young children and those who are sick or overweight. To reduce the risks of extreme heat conditions, take the proper safety precautions to protect yourself and your family.

During extreme heat, people are susceptible to three heat-related illnesses — heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat cramps are muscular pains ans spasms caused by heavy sweating. They usually occur in the legs and abdomen. Those with heat cramps should get to a cooler place and drink plenty of water or fluids with electrolytes to help rehydration.

Heat exhaustion comes when body fluids are lost through heavy sweating during strenuous activity in warm temperatures and blood flow to vital organs decreases. This can result in a form of mild shock. Symptoms include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, nausea, dizziness, headaches, weakness or exhaustion.

Those suffering from heat exhaustion should get to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, towels or sheets. People with signs of heat exhaustion should slowly drink cool water or fluids with electrolytes every few minutes. Call 9-1-1 if conditions do not improve.

Heat stroke is the most serious of conditions and can cause brain damage or death if not treated quickly. A burning sensation, hot and red skin, loss of consciousness, weak or rapid pulse, rapid and shallow breathing, vomiting, confusion and seizures are symptoms.

Call 9-1-1 for immediate help for those suffering from heat stroke. Until help arrives, move the person to a cool place and either immerse them in a cool bath or cover them in bags of ice or cold, wet sheets.