Lost Hiker Ignored Phone Calls from Rescuers because he 'Didn't Recognize the Number'

A Colorado rescue team is offering advice to people who get lost while hiking: 1) Stay hydrated; 2) Remain in a location where you’re visible; and 3) Answer your phone when a searcher calls to find out where you are.

That last tip apparently got by one unidentified hiker who recently found himself lost for 24 hours in the Colorado wilderness, according to Lake County Search and Rescue. The man began his hike at 9 a.m. on October 18th, a rep for the agency says. When 8 p.m. rolled around and he still hadn’t returned, Lake County searchers began calling his phone to make sure he was OK — and when the calls went unanswered, they began to fear the worst, the rep says.

It turns out the man, who returned safe and sound the following morning, was aware of the steady stream of calls; but, having not recognized the number, he assumed they were coming from a solicitor. In fact, he had “no idea” anyone was even looking for him, according to Lake County Search and Rescue. “If you’re overdue according to your itinerary, and you start getting repeated calls from an unknown number, please answer the phone,” the agency writes. “It may be a search and rescue team trying to confirm you’re safe!”

Hiker Lost for 24 Hours Ignored Rescuers’ Calls Because ‘They Didn’t Recognize the Number’ https://t.co/gPNALLqDHo

— NBC10 Boston (@NBC10Boston) October 27, 2021