need crash course on rattlesnakes

[Syn]

I am posting this here and in the general forum because I need info fast.

 

Allot of the cache's I plan on hunting tomorrow have rattlesnake warnings..so I need a crash course on rattlesnakes so I dont die.

 

thanks in advance

 

wayne

[+joedohn]

Rattlesnakes are, to a large extent, unpredictable, said Bill Andelt, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension wildlife specialist. However, they do tend to hold certain traits and habits. To keep summer activities such as hiking, bike riding and camping safe and enjoyable, Andelt recommends becoming familiar with the habits of rattlesnakes and following some rattlesnake safety guidelines.

 

Rattlesnakes most often bite when they feel threatened or when they are startled. Move cautiously around rocks and open areas so not to jolt a dozing rattlesnake out of slumber. Snakes may avoid areas with lots of human activity because of noise, but not always. Rattlesnakes are cold-blooded creatures. They strive to maintain a certain body temperature, which means that their behavior varies according to the temperatures of seasons and times of the day. Rattlesnakes are not as active during the winter; they primarily stay underground to keep warm, and hibernate. They, like humans, greet spring and summer with an enthusiastic desire to be outside where it's warm.

 

To keep warm, rattlesnakes come out during warm hours of the day and sun themselves on rocks and other open areas. Occasionally, during the warmest hours of particularly hot days, they'll nestle under rocks or shrubs to keep from getting too warm. They'll usually be under a rock or in a hole during cool hours of the evening and morning, where they can soak up the warmth from the earth or rocks.

 

Because of these habits, rattlesnakes are most often associated with rocky areas, plains or grasslands, and around homes and buildings (particularly those with rock piles or rock Gardens), where they find moderate to warm temperatures.

 

Those enjoying the outdoors may want to take the following precautions, recommended by Andelt:

 

Wear tall hiking boots, at least 8 inches high, and socks and looser pants. Someone who customarily walks in snake-prone areas may want to invest in snake guards, available at some sporting-goods shops. However, they can be uncomfortable to wear.

Many people are bitten by rattlesnakes because they aren't aware of their surroundings. Common snake bites occur because someone stepped over or on a rattlesnake, or sat on or near one. Anyone walking outside should keep his eyes open, and watch where they walk or sit, said Andelt.

Keep dogs on a leash and control them. Dogs will rile up a snake, almost guaranteeing that the snake with strike either the dog or the person holding the dog.

If bitten by a rattlesnake, the old recommendations of putting a tourniquet or ice on a snakebite, or cutting into the wound, are out of date. DO NOT follow these recommendations.

If confronted by a rattlesnake, remain calm and try to back away slowly and carefully.

"The best thing for someone who has been bitten by a rattlesnake is to have car keys handy," said Andelt. "And get to a doctor's office immediately. Most important, remain calm. You'll be worse off if you run full speed to the car, because the blood carrying the venom will travel through your body quickly if you move fast or panic."

 

Andelt said that if bitten by a snake, call 911 immediately. If bitten by a snake while away from the phone or if a cell phone is not available to use to call for emergency help, while hiking for example, send a friend for help and move slowly toward the direction of help, said Andelt.

[+EraSeek]

I did some of those that you may plan on doing. I'm a westsider and no expert, but I suggest bringing a long stick to poke about with. It was creepy sticking my hand in there.

 

[NW Runner]

I was out in Ellensburg 2 weeks ago and saw one on a long trail leading to a cache. There were 2 other people looking at it when we saw it. I did some research myself and the main thing is to avoid them when they shed there skins because they will strike at anything. If you are bit than some options are to- cut of the blood circulation. Of course, get to a doctor imediately. If worse comes to worse you can pass out, and doctors might have to amputate it. Do remember this doesn't occur often . If you are worried, the best solution would be to take a partner or a cell phone.

 

[This message was edited by NW Runner on June 09, 2002 at 06:08 PM.]

[NW Runner]

I was out in Ellensburg 2 weeks ago and saw one on a long trail leading to a cache. There were 2 other people looking at it when we saw it. I did some research myself and the main thing is to avoid them when they shed there skins because they will strike at anything. If you are bit than some options are to- cut of the blood circulation. Of course, get to a doctor imediately. If worse comes to worse you can pass out, and doctors might have to amputate it. Do remember this doesn't occur often . If you are worried, the best solution would be to take a partner or a cell phone.

 

[This message was edited by NW Runner on June 09, 2002 at 06:08 PM.]

[+Uplink]

Please, do not make incisions in a snakebite, or try to suck venom by mouth! These techniques have been shown to do more harm than good. Please read the extensive snakebite first aid information here:

http://www.xmission.com/~gastown/herpmed/snbite.htm

[NW Runner]

My information is second hand, I will make a change in my log. Sorry and thanks for the heads up.

[+joedohn]

So Wayne, I see you're posting todays logs, did you see any snakes?

[Syn]

I found a really nice stick by your Snowbound cache and had it with me for part of the day...

 

I spoke with several people on the trail and came to the conclusion that it was too cold for them to be out so I chucked the stick eventually.

 

I did tons of research last night on the web and listened to everone on here and my brother in law to make sure I didnt die.

 

I was going to do your powerhouse cache as my last one but I was starting to get pissed off and I was at the point that any cache I woulda done would have been a bad hunt.

 

So I called it a day ...stopped at mickey d's at the dam and watched two chicks get arrested at gun points by the cops...that kinda cheered me up.

[+joedohn]

quote:

---

watched two chicks get arrested at gun points by the cops...that kinda cheered me up.

---

 

Heh,Heh, you're twisted....

[+oregone]

1.) Rattlesnakes are NOT tone deaf. When hiking over rocky terrain, try to sing on key so as not to rile them.

 

2.) A common misconception is that the most dangerous part of the snake is its bite. In truth, it is its bark.

 

3.) When trying to kill a snake with a selection of forks, always use the fork on the outside first, and work your way in.

 

4.) Snakes can sense fear. If you find yourself in a staring contest with a rattler, try to act cool and collective, as if you were a member of 80s rock band INXS. But NOT Michael Hutchense. Snakes hate that guy.

 

5.) A good way to keep snakes out of your tent is to go to sleep wearing lingerie. Sexy, sexy lingerie.

 

6.) One rule of thumb for poisonous snakes is to avoid coming between a rattlesnake and its young. For then, we are all truly doomed.

 

7.) If you are Tom Hanks and you have been bitten by a snake, try to find Meg Ryan. Hilarity will ensue, with sexy results!

 

8.) Many times, snakes are just longing for a little understanding in this cold, insensitive world. Compassion is key.

 

9.) Snakes are like men. It's best to lead them on a little bit. Make 'em work for it. Because if you put out on the first date, they're not going to respect you, girl.

 

10.) As the old saying goes: "Hope for the best, expect painful death."

 

I hope this helps everyone this summer. Be safe!

 

all rights reserved, all wrongs reversed

[+joedohn]

At the risk of encouraging you Oregone, that's just hilarious...