‘Uptick In Ticks’: Three Rivers Park Officials Urge Caution Amid Rising Tick Encounters

‘Uptick In Ticks’: Three Rivers Park Officials Urge Caution Amid Rising Tick Encounters

HENNEPIN COUNTY, Minn. — Local wildlife officials are urging Minnesotans to take precautions against ticks as park staff and healthcare systems report a noticeable rise in tick activity this summer.

Steven Hogg, Senior Manager of Wildlife with the Three Rivers Park District, says his team has been observing what he calls an “uptick in ticks” across the park system. This trend is reflected nationally: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emergency room visits related to tick bites are higher than usual for this time of year.

“This is where the ticks are going to be hanging out,” said Hogg, motioning toward a shaded, wooded area thick with underbrush and tall grass. “It’s actually on these cool, wet days where it makes it easier for ticks to find you.”

Ticks Thrive in Tall Grass, Not Trails

Hogg emphasized that tick encounters are more likely in wooded and grassy areas rather than on paved trails. While many assume that ticks are more prevalent during rainy or humid seasons, Hogg clarified that tick activity is largely cyclical and not directly tied to short-term changes in weather or rainfall.

“It’s not really about the rain,” he said. “They’re just in a cycle right now where they’re more present.”

How to Stay Safe: Expert Advice on Prevention

To help reduce the risk of tick bites, Hogg recommends a few straightforward but effective safety measures:

• Apply insect repellent that is proven to deter ticks.
• Wear full-coverage clothing in light colors, which makes it easier to spot ticks.
• Use “tick gaiters” or tuck pants into socks to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs.
• Conduct full-body tick checks immediately after outdoor activities, even if only briefly in grassy or wooded areas.

“Ideally, what you want to do is find that tick before it bites you,” Hogg advised. “That is rule number one. That is how you are going to keep yourself safe—by checking yourself every single day and not missing a day.”

Know the Ticks: Which Ones Are Dangerous?

Minnesota is home to two commonly encountered tick species:

• The American dog tick, which is larger and less likely to carry disease.
• The black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick, which is a primary carrier of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses like anaplasmosis and babesiosis.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the state, with hundreds of confirmed cases reported annually.

When to See a Doctor

While many tick bites can be managed at home, Hogg warns that individuals should seek medical attention if they’re unable to fully remove the tick, if a rash appears, or if they begin experiencing symptoms like fever, chills, fatigue, or joint pain.

“These diseases can be serious if left untreated,” he said.

Additional Resources

Hogg recently authored a detailed article on tick prevention strategies and safe practices for outdoor recreation on the Three Rivers Park District website.

As summer continues and outdoor activity increases, Three Rivers officials hope public awareness and personal vigilance will keep tick-related issues to a minimum.

Stay safe, stay vigilant, and enjoy Minnesota’s great outdoors—tick-free.
For more information on tick safety and identification, visit the Minnesota Department of Health tickborne diseases page: https://www.health.state.mn.us

MinneapoliMedia