Don't let a fear of rattlesnakes stop you from enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Identifying and understanding rattlesnakes can help you to stay safe when outdoors and ease your fears.
What Does a Rattlesnake Look Like?
A rattlesnakes' head is slightly larger than its' body. The head has a slight triangular shape. Most rattlesnakes have a rattle at the end of their tail. Sometimes the rattle can be missing from an injury.
Do Rattlesnakes Always Bite?
Rattlesnakes would rather avoid humans. If you see a rattlesnake, it is best to leave it alone. A rattlesnake would rather leave than confront a human. If the rattlesnake feels trapped, it might attack. Try not to corner a rattlesnake or put it in a position where it feels threatened. If you see a rattlesnake, keep your distance.
Avoiding a Rattlesnake Bite
When hiking wear long pants and hiking boots to protect your skin in the event of a rattlesnake bite.
Do not corner a rattlesnake.
Stomping on the ground can alert a rattlesnake to your presence. Remember a rattlesnake would rather avoid humans. Rattlesnakes can not hear but they can feel ground vibrations.
What Should I do if I am Bit by a Rattlesnake?
The most important thing to do if you are bit by a rattlesnake is to stay calm. Do not run and do not panic. Staying calm will keep your blood from flowing faster and slow the venom from traveling in your bloodstream. Do not use a snake bite kit. Do not cut the bite. Do not apply ice to the bite. Do not apply a tourniquet. Do not suck out the venom. Stay calm and seek immediate medical attention.
Main Causes of Rattlesnake Bites
The main reason that people are bit by rattlesnakes is because they try to catch a rattlesnake. Never try to catch a rattlesnake. It is extremely dangerous. If you have a rattlesnake in your yard and are afraid, do not try to catch it yourself. Instead call a professional to remove it. A trained professional can safely remove the rattlesnake and bring it to a safer environment.
Another common cause of rattlesnake bites is taunting. Some people throw rocks or other objects at rattlesnakes. This is very dangerous behavior and should never be done. If you see a rattlesnake, leave it alone and let it go on its' way. A rattlesnake would rather avoid confrontation with you.
Rattlesnakes and Pets
Do not assume that your dog will know to avoid rattlesnakes. Dogs do not know that rattlesnakes are poisonous. Many dogs will try to attack a rattlesnake and often get bit in doing so. Keep your dog on a leash when hiking and do not let them stick there nose in holes or under brush where a rattlesnake may be hiding. If you see a rattlesnake, keep your dog away from it.
Rattlesnakes and Weather
In warm weather rattlesnakes will often come out to lie in the sun. In colder weather they go into holes or into brush.
Final Tips
Rattlesnakes are part of nature and can be interesting but remember to keep your distance from them. Use the above precautions when in areas where rattlesnakes are known to be. Have respect for rattlesnakes in their habitat and leave them alone. Leave them alone and they will most likely leave you alone.
Article by Rose Kivi
No comments:
Post a Comment