Venomous
Snake Safety Tips For
Homeowners
& Outdoor Recreationists
Some people are apprehensive about encountering venomous reptiles,
particularly rattlesnakes, while hiking or enjoying other outdoor activities,
but they are really "mellow" fellows that just want to avoid you,
advised Arizona Game and Fish Department herpetologists.
"Arizona
is home to 11 species of rattlesnakes, and if you are lucky, you might encounter
five or six different species in the mountain parks or desert areas surrounding
the valley," said Michael Demlong, a herpetologist with Game and Fish.
The probability of getting bitten by a rattlesnake is pretty small.
"You are much more likely to get injured in a car accident on the
way to your favorite hiking spot, getting bit by a dog, falling on the trail and
spraining your ankle, walking into a Cholla cactus, getting stung by a bee, or
becoming sick from dehydration. Rattlesnakes are really mellow and defensive
creatures, and will almost always move away from larger predators (humans). If
fact, they intentionally warn you of their presence, in order to avoid an
encounter. Think about it, would a snake that "wants" to bite you give
you advance warning?" Demlong said. Here
are a few things hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts can do to reduce their
chance of encountering rattlesnakes:
- Stay
on established trails/paths. Snakes are less likely to hang around open and
barren trails. In addition, you can clearly see the ground in front of you.
- Use
a walking stick. The stick gives you better balance, makes additional noise
that may help warn the snake of your approach, and extends out in front of
your body.
- Keep
your children and dogs behind you or at least close by.
Kids and dogs tend to move quicker, often without looking.
- Put
your hands and feet only in places where you can see.
Enough said this is common sense.
- Don't
try to move or pick up any snakes you encounter. Don't try to get the snake
to move by throwing objects (e.g. sticks, rocks) at it. Instead just go
around the snake. A good rule of thumb is to keep about 6 feet away and walk
slowly around the snake.
Arizona
Game & Fish Department's
WILDLIFE
NEWS
July
10, 2001
Vol.
49 No. 28
EDITOR:
Rory Aikens, (602) 789-3214, e-mail raikens@gf.state.az.us
or Frosty Taylor, (602) 789-3223, e-mail ftaylor@gf.state.az.us
