Michael Cook, 24, discovered a World War Two Military Ordinance while geocaching at Calgary’s Glenmore Reservoir on Saturday, August 7, 2010. The complete story and photograph of the bomb can be found at the Calgary Herald online.
Cook’s discovery raises the stakes of a citizen’s responsibility while out geocaching in the wilds. Many times a cacher will be in territory that people have not set foot on in years. By keeping a level head and reporting the find immediately to the authorities, Cook showed remarkable courage. What should you do if you find something unusual or suspicious while geocaching?
• Unlike Cook, do not move the item, even if you think you know what it is. Geocachers have, on occasion, found dead bodies in the woods. Do not touch.
• Take note of your location, through land markers or by your coordinates.
• Call the police or emergency rescue as soon as possible. Be calm, describe the situation and give them your precise location.
• Stay close to your discovery until the police arrive unless you are in danger.
• Request a business card from the first officer to arrive in case you need to contact them in the future with more information. Leave the scene when instructed to do so. Immediately seek out good friends and family to discuss your event.
• If you or a member of your group continues to feel emotionally disturbed by the find (nightmares, panic attacks, etc.), seek counseling before too much time passes. Police services have resources for you to access in these situations.
Finding a bomb shook Cook up…but didn’t stop him from going back to collect the cache. A disturbing discovery is unusual in geocaching but still a possibility. Don’t let it ruin your game. Knowing what to do in advance of a situation is responsible preparedness. Are you prepared?
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Comments
Britton! Really good article. I think the natural reaction would be to pick something up and "bring it" to the authorities. Good one.
Thanks Chuck! It's amazing the things I discover out in the woods (never a bomb, but hey). Last interesting find was a recently shot coyote. Had to call the authorities on that, too. Sad thing.
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