(Image source from: Marin County hikers warned against fake ranger})

Marin County officials have warned hikers of a fake ranger claiming to be a park ranger. The man had reportedly kicked dogs and also gave false information on dog rules. He even clicked photos of some women using a cell phone.

On two occassions the man had identified himself as a ranger for the Marin County Open Space District.

County officials say that on both incidents took place on a fire road in the Blithedale Summit Open Space Preserve that runs between Mill Valley and Corte Madera.

Authorities have described the man as white, "very fit" and around 40 years old. The man said he was "Dave Stevenson" from "the department," but officials have clarified that he is not an employee of the district.

The man is 5-foot-10 to 6 feet tall, with short salt-and-pepper hair. Officials say that in both the incidents he had worn black and silver biking clothes. He also had a black mountain bike in the two incidents.

Authorities alerted that Marin Open Space rangers are never without uniforms. The matter is being investigated by the Marin County Parks department.

(AW: Pratima Tigga)