It's summer, it's Wisconsin, and it's practically a requirement that you spend as much time as you can outside.

But nothing is perfect, and the warm-weather pleasures of picturesque sunsets, refreshing lake swims and quiet forest hikes sometimes come hand-in-hand with wildlife that can bite us, insects that can sting and sicken us, and plants that can poison us.

Fortunately, a little basic sense and some insider tips can help us avoid the perils of Wisconsin's outdoors — or at least deal with the effects of ill-fated encounters. One valuable resource on that front is a free 40-page booklet from the University of Wisconsin-Extension titled "Outdoor Hazards in Wisconsin: A Guide to Insects, Plants, and Wildlife."

Authors Scott R. Craven, Phillip J. Pellitteri and Mark J. Renz offer strai

See Full Page