Wildlife and Terrain Hazard
Wildlife and Terrain Hazards
Because airsoft games are most often played in
natural surroundings, animals can often interfere with these games and
potentially be hazardous. In the Southwestern United States, snakes offer
one of the most significant threats, especially the potentially deadly
Diamondback rattlesnake. Many airsoft games in California institute a
"snake call", whereby players have to yell "snake" when one is encountered
to mark the location and warn other players. After a snake has been
identified, that section of the field may be marked as out-of-bounds.
Whether in natural or built-up
urban terrain, airsoft players can be subject to injury from terrain
features such as slippery surfaces, steep slopes or heights, falls or
trips, collisions with unseen obstructions, snags and sharpened objects,
and even noxious substances (animal droppings, etc.). Scratches, cuts,
bruises, concussions, and sprains, plus a few broken bones can easily
occur in airsoft game. This is another reason for the need for
military-style protective gear such as head and neck armor, all-terrain
boots, thickened gloves, knee and elbow pads, and full-length rugged
attire. Airsoft players must be careful when running rapidly as well as
moving hastily in the dark to avoid injury from such hazards.
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