Crime is rising in the great outdoors.
From the meth trade to even more disturbing cases like the presence of rapists and killers, outdoors lovers are finding themselves encountering truly dangerous situations.
Crime Statistics: While the overall violent crime rate in the U.S. decreased slightly in 2022, specific areas like national parks and forests have seen a different trend. Crimes such as robbery and aggravated assault remain concerns in these areas, partly due to their remote nature and the difficulty of law enforcement coverage (Federal Bureau of Investigation) (Brennan Center for Justice).
In the latest episode of Dark Outdoors, the infamous and still unsolved Zodiac Killer’s attack at Lake Berryessa is examined in light of how the right to carry could have changed things. We also talk about a woman who fought back and nearly took out the “National Forest Killer”.
Listen via the player below or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon & IHeartradio.
For the most part the outdoors is safe but there are growing issues, especially in suburban parks, forests and hiking trails.