ANTHEM, AZ – A Valley man almost lost his life this week after a rattlesnake sunk its fangs into his right thumb Sunday evening.

Bill Johnson of Anthem was taking out the trash after his daughter’s birthday party when he heard a “hissing sound.”

“I thought I might have either a gas line or water line that had come loose,” Johnson said.

It was 10 p.m. when he said he reached down into the darkness and was struck.

Johnson didn’t see his attacker, but said he knew from the power of the “bee-like sting” that it was a snake.

He rushed inside and said within five minutes, he passed out.

His wife called 911. The first hospital he went to did not have enough anti-venin to treat his severe condition, so he was airlifted to Good Samaritan hospital in Phoenix.

Johnson is the 14th rattlesnake case this month alone to receive treatment there.

Toxicologist Michael Levine said most rattlesnake bites aren’t life threatening, but Johnson’s was.

He was put on life support for 24 hours.

“This gentleman was critically ill,” said Levine. “I think he very well would have died if he didn’t get therapy.”

Good Samaritan sees an average of 60-80 rattlesnake bites a year, with monsoon season being the busiest time for the deadly desert dwellers to attack, according to Levine.

Not only did Johnson spend his daughter’s “Sweet 16″ hooked to IVs, he also celebrated his 18th wedding anniversary in a hospital gown.

“It was kind of odd because it was like I’d do anything to upstage those events,” said Johnson.

He was discharged from the hospital on Friday.

via Anthem man almost dies from snake bite.

Although a Trafford man was bit by a snake in Fayette County early Thursday morning, a local herpetologist said close encounters with reptiles are rare.

Chad Heasley, 39, was riding an all-terrain vehicle through the woods with friends when his vehicle got stuck in mud. State police said he went to get some rocks to help elevate his tires and a snake bit him. He was flown to Highlands Hospital and Health Center in Connellsville. A report on his condition was not immediately available.

Ken Stairs of Somerset, a field biologist, said trails go through scenic areas of high mountains where snakes live. Police had not confirmed what kind of snake bit Heasley, but there are copperheads and rattlesnakes in the woods near Connellsville, Stairs said.

“They are secretive and they like to go undetected and unmolested,” he said. “If you step on one or try to pick it up, you will get bit. The snake feels threatened.”

Snakes are often found around rocks or beside logs.

“Never be afraid to hike, but wear boots or sturdy shoes, not flip-flops,” he said. “Look carefully before sitting on the ground and don’t put your fingers on ledges without looking carefully. Step up on logs and look around the side before stepping over it. A snake may be lying on the ground near the log waiting for a chipmunk. Stay on the trail.”

It isn’t true that snakes travel in pairs. Adults that are hunting will be alone. Gestating females will be in groups — he once saw 46 together at a boulder. It isn’t true that snakes can strike a great distance. They can only strike about half of their body length or a little longer if they are on a rock. Their body length isn’t as long as people think, either.

“Snakes aren’t going to chase anybody,” he said. “They are looking for an escape route. Noise wakes them. If you hear a rattle, stop, look for the snake and sidestep around him.”

Ninety-five percent of snakes are nonpoisonous, Stairs said. Those bites are similar to scratches. Someone who is bitten by a poisonous snake can be treated in most hospitals and should be fine if he doesn’t have any underlying medical problems. It isn’t true that physicians need to know what type of snake bit you before starting treatment, he said. The medication is the same.

“Don’t take the snake to the hospital with you — it causes trauma in the ER,” Stairs said. “Thirty percent of bites are dry bites. Out in the southwest you may be further away from medical facilities and the snakes are bigger and have a higher toxicity. There a snake bite is more dangerous.”

Stairs was bitten by a snake once. He had wild-caught a western diamondback rattlesnake in Texas and brought it back with him. He was measuring the snake and it bit him on the thumb.

“It didn’t like being handled,” he said. “I spent seven days in the hospital.”

Venomous snake bites can cause tissue and nerve death. If you are bitten by a rattlesnake or copperhead snake, immobilize the limb at or above the heart if possible. If you are bit on the hand or arm, put your arm across your stomach and hold it there. If you have a cell phone with you, call 911.

“Remain calm — I know it’s hard, but keep your heart rate from going up,” Stairs said. “Get to the nearest medical facility as soon as you can, but don’t run. That raises the heart rate. If you are bit on the hand, remove any rings you’re wearing because your hand will swell. If you have a constricting band — not a tourniquet — put it above the bite. Don’t drink alcohol or take medications.”

The new antivenin serum is sheep blood based and has fewer side effects than the older one that was horse blood based.

About five years ago, he asked the state Health Department how many people in Pennsylvania died of bites from indigenous snakes. There were no deaths for 10 years prior to that.

Stairs and three other men are catching large male rattlesnakes and copperheads on a mountain in Bedford County where wind turbines are to be placed. Two-inch-long transmitters will be implanted in the snakes to track them to dens. The dens will be mapped so the wind turbines don’t break up the dens. The snakes will be caught again in the spring to remove the implants.

Dave Fox, Somerset County 911 coordinator, said people who hike on the trails or through woods need to be aware of where they are. They’ve had problems before with people having a medical emergency on the trail and because they are calling on an older cell phone or the tree canopy was interfering with reception, the 911 center couldn’t pinpoint their location.

“We asked one person where he parked his car so we’d have a starting point, and he replied ‘In a lot with a sign with a big P on it,’” he said. “You need to be aware of which trail you are on and where you went in. Try to know what direction you walked and about how far you walked. If you have a GPS that can be used while walking and a cell phone, take them along. Some people leave the main trail and are on footpaths. That causes problems. Never go alone. It’s like hunting season: You’re safer if you go in numbers. If you do go alone, tell somebody where you are going. People should also wear proper clothing in case they are stranded outside at night. Carry matches to start a fire. Take any survival gear you have.”

via Man bitten by snake in Fayette County woods – Johnstown’s Community Newspaper.

TAMPA – Growing up in Tampa, Mike Hendershot thought he knew snakes. He's even been bitten by non-poisonous ones a couple of times.

So Sunday night when he and his friends saw a foot and a half long snake under their car, Mike thought it was harmless.

“I've messed with snakes before. I saw this one, it looked like a garden snake to me. I just tried to, I was messing around. I tried to grab it,” he said.

But the snake turned its head, striking him. Its fangs pierced Mike's middle finger on his right hand.'

“It was as if someone hit me with a hammer on the finger. And then a needle. It was just a stinging, numbing pain,” he recalled, from his hospital room at University Community Hospital, in Tampa.

The 22-year-old recent FSU grad said he and his friends went on the internet and saw a picture of the snake. It turned out it was a water moccasin, a highly venomous snake.

Mike's friends rushed him to UCH, where he received 12 vials of anti-venin.

Hospital staff have had a lot of experience in venomous snake bites.

Last year, UCH treated the most poisonous snake bites than any other hospital in the country, with 15.

Jim Maister, a clinical pharmacist with UCH, said this is the season for snakes.

“Yes, it is the season. Summertime. They are cold-blooded animals, so they do need to warm themselves in the sun. It's one of those things, we have to be careful and we have to respect their environment too,” Maister said.

He's particularly worried right now too.

“Because this week, next week, all the kids get out of school. And there are lots of areas that are under construction. Areas that are plowed out or mowed over. These animals need some place to go, so they are going to end up in your garage, under your car,” Maister said.

Maister also says we all need to respect these animal's environment, and Mike Hendershot agrees. He admits it wasn't as easy as he thought to detect the differences between the poisonous snakes and the harmless ones.

“Don't grab them, that's for sure. Just don't even get around them,” Hendershot warned.

via Poisonous snakebite sends man to ER.

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FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ — Ronn Hart still has trouble getting around after being bitten by a rattlesnake, even though the snake bit him more than two weeks ago.

“My leg was so swollen I couldn’t even get my shorts on,” said Hart.

His leg is still swollen, but Hart said at one point it was twice its size. He spent five days in the hospital and is just now able to get up and walk with crutches.

“Standing up just felt like all the fluids in my body were rushing into my leg below my knee,” Hart described.

Hart said he went to go hike in the Fountain Hills area and was reading a text message when he accidentally stepped on the rattlesnake.

“Don’t text and hike,” joked Hart. “I thought I kicked a rock or caught a stick or something.”

Doctors at Banner Good Samaritan’s Poison and Drug Information Center said this is the time of year they start seeing rattlesnake bites.

“The rattlesnake bite can be profoundly painful,” said Dr. Steven Curry, co-medical director of the center.

Although it’s rare to die from a snake bite, Curry said it is possible if someone doesn’t get immediate treatment. Most patients are given anti-venom to treat the bite and their symptoms.

“We see patients who we admit to the intensive care unit who certainly would have died,” said Curry.

But that treatment is expensive. Hart said he needed 18 vials of anti-venom, which according to Dr. Curry is average for most patients. Ron said the medicine ended up costing him more than $75,000.

Dr. Curry said the cost is hefty because the treatment is rare.

“The only anti-venom that’s available to use in the United States as an FDA approved product is very expensive and treatment for the average patient will certainly result in the administration of many thousands of dollars,” said Curry.

If you are bitten, Dr. Curry said do not use a tourniquet or anything to tie the bite. He said it can restrict blood flow and do more damage.

He also advised do not try to cut the bite or try to suck out the venom, saying it doesn’t do any good.

Anyone bitten on the hand is encouraged to remove any jewelry immediately before swelling begins.

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Everyone is accusing the lady of lying. It would be sad if she were telling the truth. (But she probably isn’t.)

Video: Woman Bitten By Cobra Bags Snake, Takes To Docs

Woman Bitten By Cobra Bags Snake, Takes To Docs

Woman Says She Was Bitten In Baltimore County Parking Lot

BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. — A woman told authorities she was bitten by a poisonous cobra on Sunday in a Baltimore County parking lot.

Baltimore City Animal Control recovered the snake on Sunday, but where it came from has yet to be determined.

Authorities told 11 News the woman walked into a White March Patient First location with a snake bite — as well as the snake that bit her. She had stuffed it into a bag.

“What the patient told our medic crews is that she was in the parking lot of a local shopping center when she saw what she thought was a stick on the ground. She bent down to pick up the stick when it bit her. It turned out to be a snake,” said Baltimore County Fire Department spokeswoman Elise Armacost.

The snake turned out to be a venomous Asian cobra known as a monacle cobra.

Armacost said Patient First called 911.

“The staff at Patient First said that they had put the snake in a trash can and wanted to know what to do with it,” Armacost said.

She said as the patient was transported to Johns Hopkins Hospital, her team launched a search for the antivenom, first calling Falls Road Animal Hospital.

“If we’re going to use something this dangerous in a human, it has to be for human use only, and it can’t be out of date,” said veterinarian Dr. Kim Hammond, who has extensive experience with venomous snakes.

“In this temperature, there’s no cobra out there running wild. It would be frozen. It’s not just unlikely — it’s impossible.” - Dr. Kim Hammond, Falls Road Animal Hospital

Falls Road Animal Hospital played a key role in locating the antivenom, which was ultimately flown in from Philadelphia.

“There are so many different species of venomous animals that you have to — in order to get the correct antivenom — have the exact species. You have to know what antivenom to use, because the antivenom is toxic by itself,” Hammond said.

While the woman said she stepped on the cobra in a parking lot, the Maryland Poison Center said it’s not a public health issue and that they’re confident there are no cobras running wild in Baltimore.

Animal experts said that in January, that’s not even possible.

“In this temperature, there’s no cobra out there running wild. It would be frozen. It’s not just unlikely — it’s impossible,” Hammond said.

He said keeping a cobra as a pet is “stupid” and dangerous. It’s also illegal in Maryland.

Department of Natural Resources Police took the snake to the Catoctin Zoo in Thurmont. Officials said the cobra was clearly a captive snake and used to being hooked and handled and around humans.

It’s being quarantined for a few months in case it has a virus, and then it will join the rest of the collection, zoo officials said.

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Be careful and don’t ever try to handle a rattlesnake – even the pros get bitten.

It’s Snake Season: Clarkdale snake catcher bitten by rattlesnake

CLARKDALE — Mother’s Day had been a really good day for Kevin and Katie Keller’s family of Clarkdale. Kevin wasn’t thinking about rattlesnakes. Sometimes he does because Kevin has a sideline business of catching them for other people. But Sunday afternoon he was simply adjusting a drip-head on an irrigation line next to a rose bush.

He didn’t feel anything. But he did notice a little blood on his ring finger. Then he noticed a couple of bite marks. He’d been struck! Without knowing the snake was there.

Within 10 minutes Katie had Kevin at Verde Valley Medical Center’s emergency room. In about an hour, the medical personnel had the anti-venom powder mixed with saline solution and flowing into Kevin.

With rattlesnake bites, Kevin has been told, “time is tissue.” He was being treated about as quickly as any rattlesnake bite victim could be. 

Even so …. “It was gut-wrenchingly painful,” Kevin said. “I was in the ER and got seven shots of morphine.”

Kevin said the excruciating pain lasted for about 12 hours. He said the medical staff at VVMC was awesome. “I started out in the ER, and they moved me to ICU for two days.” He said the pain was the worst part of the ordeal. “I had no sweats, no nausea, no hives, no nightmares.”

“One thing they were watching for was edema,” Katie said. If the swelling gets bad, it’s likely VVMC would fly Kevin to Phoenix. Katie said swelling could cause a snakebite victim to lose an arm or leg.

Wednesday morning Kevin was home. But he isn’t entirely out of the snakebite woods yet.

“For the next three weeks, he has to get his blood checked every 48 hours,” Katie said. 

She explained that Kevin is being watched for either a reaction to the anti-venom or — once the anti-venom leaves his system – for a reaction to the original snake venom. “He could have to go in for more anti-venom,” Katie said.

Robert Barth, director of Emergency Services for VVMC, said snakebite victims are sometimes transferred to Banner Poison Control Center in Phoenix if symptoms are serious. Initial treatment takes place at VVMC. In Kevin’s case, he was able to stay at VVMC.

The Kellers have lived in the Clarkdale foothills for three years. Rattlesnakes are common in the area. “The first year we were here, we had 17 rattlesnakes on this property,” Kevin said. The second year wasn’t as bad, but the Kellers saw the first rattlesnake this year in February. 

“All of our neighbors are getting them in their yards right now,” Kevin said. “Lately, I’ve been seeing 48- and 50-inch snakes.”

The one that got Kevin was small, only about 12-inches long. And contrary to popular belief, that little, hard-to-see snake didn’t rattle until after it bit Kevin.

Kevin catches snakes for his neighbors and for other local people. He has all of the safety equipment, a snake pole, boots and gloves. When he’s called to catch a snake, he doesn’t worry so much about being bitten. 

“I believe that at least 50 percent of the risk factor is just knowing they’re there,” he said. 

“I’ve got to be more careful,” Kevin said, “that’s what I learned.” But he doesn’t intend to quit catching snakes for a fee. That isn’t where the danger is. “If you go to remove a snake, nine times out of 10 you know where the snake is.”

Kevin warns that snakes are more aggressive in the spring and in the fall. He recommends keeping brush and junk cleared from property near a home. He and Katie are taking out all of their rose bushes and non-native landscaping. Kevin said the snakes love water, and irrigation systems tend to attract them.

He also warns that it is a myth that rattlesnakes always rattle before striking. His didn’t rattle until after Kevin was bitten. “Out of all the snakes I’ve seen and removed,” Kevin said, “only one of them rattled.”

Kevin’s “Snake Catcher” service can be reached at (949) 636-1841.

What to do after snakebite

Robert Barth, RN, MSN, and director of Emergency Services at Verde Valley Medical Center refers snakebite victims to a website at Banner Poison Control Center for information about what to do after being bitten by a poisonous snake. The control center is part of Banner Health in Phoenix. The site can be reached at www.bannerhealth.com. Go to Rattlesnake Bite Treatment. A few guidelines to help if you are bit: • Don’t panic: Stay as calm as possible. If bitten on the hand, remove all jewelry immediately before swelling begins. • Don’t apply ice to the bite site or immerse the bite in a bucket of ice. • Don’t use a constricting band/ cloth/ belt or tourniquet. Do not restrict blood flow in any manner. • Don’t cut the bite site or try to suck out the venom. Leave the bite site alone. • Don’t use electric shock or stun guns of any kind. • Don’t try to capture the snake to bring to the hospital. Time spent capturing a snake delays arrival at the emergency department, and may result in additional bites. Identification of the snake is not necessary for treatment. The physicians treat the symptoms as they occur and modify the anti-venom and treatment as needed. Treatment is not snake specific. Each year, more than 150 rattlesnake bites are reported to the Banner Poison Control Center.

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Staying safe: Valley hospitals see spike in snake bites

Patrick Hotchkiss spent his second night in the hospital Monday night.  He was flown by helicopter to Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center after being bitten by a rattlesnake on Sunday afternoon.  “It was like a couple pieces of glass stabbed into you and snapped off. It was very clean and sharp,” said Hotchkiss.  Doctors at the hospital said they’ve seen eight snakebites in the past week. Four happened over the weekend.  “Number wise, Arizona is probably has the most poisonous snakes compared to any other states,” said Dr. Michael Levine. Bites can be deadly but it’s rare.  Symptoms often include significant swelling, immediate pain that intensifies over time, and venom from a bite can lead to other complications.  “It affects your blood and makes you bleed a lot more and really makes your blood a little too think and effects the ability to form blood clots,” said Levine.  Levine said a lot of snakebites happen when someone teases or tries to pickup a snake.  He encourages people to avoid snakes or walking around them.  Levine said anyone bitten by a snake should avoid wrapping or putting a bandage on the bite.  He also discourages anyone from sucking or trying to cut out the venom.  Instead, Levine said anyone bitten should leave the bite alone and call for help immediately.

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How to handle a rattlesnake bite

May 6, 7:49 AM

Rattlesnakes are plentiful along the Front Range. Make sure you know what to do if one happens to get the best of you.  Photo: Colorado Division of Wildlife

Most anyone that has ever been outside for much time has had the thought: What do I do if I get bit by a rattlesnake? One scenario flashes in the mind. It is a scene straight out of any western movie or adventure film: kill the snake, get something tightly wrapped around the arm or leg, just above the bite, cut open the wound with a knife and suck out the poison, making sure to spit and not swallow.

That is not exactly the best way to handle a snake bite. M Cerato and W.F. Andelt, both with the Colorado State University Extension, propose a simpler and safer alternative. They say that “the most useful snakebite first aid kit is car keys and coins for calling the hospital.” In other words, seek medical attention quickly.

Here are more guidlines from Cerato and Andelt:

1. Remain calm so as not to increase circulation and thus the spread of the venom.
2. Immediately remove anything from the body that may cause increased swelling below the bite area (i.e., rings, watch, shoes, tight clothing, etc.)
3. If possible, wash the wound with soap and water. If available, a Sawyer Extractor Pump may be used to remove some of the venom. Be familiar with the procedure and instructions before you need to use it. 
4. Immobilize the bite area, keeping it in a neutral to below the heart position.
5. Get to the hospital immediately. Do not wait for the pain to get severe. The use of approved antivenom is the most effective treatment for envenomation. If possible, have another person drive, and call ahead to the hospital and the poison center.

And here’s what not to do:

• Do not use a tourniquet.
• Do not make an incision at the bite site.
• Do not suck out the venom with your mouth as this may increase the risk of infection.
• Do not pack the limb in ice.

For more from Cerato and Andelt, read their rattlesnake information page, Coping with snakes.

The plain fact is that hiking around the Front Range for any amount of time in the summer could mean an encounter with a rattlesnake. Knowing what they look like and sound like will go a long ways in preventing a bite. If you do happen to hear a snake, don’t start running. Look around calmly and slowly. When you have spotted the snake, don’t panic. In most cases, and given any chance, the snake will move out. The last thing a snake wants is a confrontation with a human.

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Rattlesnakes Bite 4 Over Weekend

Cara Liu
Reporter, KPHO.com

PHOENIX – Banner Poison Control Center treated four patients this past weekend for rattlesnake bites. There have been eight victims in the past week.

 

Experts said that means this is the time to take precautions; snakes are particularly active when daytime temperatures remain above 82 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Patrick Hotchkiss of Quartzsite, AZ was one of the victims. He had just stepped off his porch Sunday afternoon when he was struck. 

“I felt two sharp things, sort of akin to piece of broken glass that snaps off,” said Patrick Hotchkiss, from his hospital bed at Banner Good Samaritan Hospital.

Hotchkiss said this particular snake was about 2-and-a-half feet long and did not rattle prior to striking.

 

“I should’ve been more vigilant. Usually I am,” said Hotchkiss. 

The snake bit him on the right heel. His ankle swelled to twice its normal size. He’s in some pain, but doctors say he’ll recover. 

Some of the other victims were gardening or hiking. One child was playing in a yard. 

But others got closer than they should have. 

Doctors said one man was bitten on the hand after trying to pet a snake. They said the man had been drinking prior to the incident. 

“We’ve seen several people who’ve tried petting the snakes, and even on occasion people trying to kiss the snake. Any of those things usually result in the patient getting bitten,” said Dr. Michael Levine, a toxicologist at Banner Poison Control Center. 

Doctors said it’s important to call for help or get to a hospital after a rattlesnake bite. 

“Typically the snake’s envenomation can cause a lot of muscle problems and can cause a lot of bleeding problems,” said Dr. Levine. 

Doctors also want to dispel some common myths surrounding rattlesnake bites. 

They said do not use a tourniquet to restrict blood flow. Do not cut the bite site or try to suction out the venom. Also, do not try to capture the snake and bring it to the hospital. Identification of the snake is not necessary for treatment.

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Rattlers emerging from their winter hibernation

By LIZETH CAZARES

Created: 04/29/2009 02:32:37 AM PDT

 

Rattle snakes are becoming common sights this time of year in the Capay Valley. (Coutesy)

It’s rattlesnake season, and veterinarians at the Woodland Veterinary Hospital are already dealing with the consequences. 

Dr. Keith Robe said in the past couple of weeks, the hospital has taken care of two dogs from Capay Valley who came in with rattlesnake bites. They have also had reports that a yearling young horse in Winters was bitten in the nose.

 

“Unfortunately, when snakes come to inhabited areas any curious animals are at risk of getting bitten,” said Dr. Ellie Johnson, another veterinarian at the hospital.

 

It’s common to have these types of calls around this time of year, said Robe, and the hospital is obtaining antivenin for the months to come.

 

“We’re stocking up on that in preparation,” Robe said.

 

Last year, the California Poison Control System received 239 calls from people bitten by rattlesnakes throughout California, said executive director Stewart Heard. The CPCS also tends to see a spike of calls in the beginning of the season.

 

“It is an issue, so it’s a good time to remind people,” he said. “They’re in a lot of places, particularly the foothills.”

 

Yolo County Animal Services also gets its fair share of calls concerning rattlesnakes, said Chief Animal Service Officer Vicky Fletcher.

 

So far the department hasn’t received any, but since rattlesnake season starts in April and continues until the cold months officers won’t be surprised if they do.

 

“This is the time of year when rattle snakes start coming out of hibernation,” Fletcher said.

 

She said the warm weather causes female and baby rattlesnakes to come out of the ground. While they tend to stay near rocky areas and bodies of water, sometimes they find their way into trucks and get carried around the area.

 

“We’ve seen them in the city and found them in the darndest places,” she said.

 

Elizabeth Campbell, executive director for the Capay Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, said she hasn’t seen any rattlesnakes on her property yet, but already sees the signs of rattlesnake season.

 

On Tuesday, she said she saw two dead snakes on the side of the County Road 16.

 

“Some people think it’s an infestation,” she said. “But it’s just normal for this time of the year.”

 

There are several things residents can do to protect themselves throughout rattlesnake season.

 

Fletcher advises that if someone sees a rattlesnake to back off.

 

“Leave it alone and bring in your pets,” she said. “Usually, it will go along on its merry way.”

 

People can then call Animal Services or any of the local removal companies found in the yellow pages.

 

Fletcher also reminds the public that if they see one baby rattlesnake they need to be careful since they’re usually found in groups. Baby rattlesnakes tend to be especially dangerous since they so can’t control the amount of venom they release.

 

Dr. Robe advises people who have pets to take extra precautions as well.

 

“First of all, make sure that pets in areas where snake are prevalent are kept on leashes and not let them run off on their own,” he said.

 

There is also a vaccine dogs can receive which will help protect them from dying of rattlesnake bites, but even then he recommends that they are brought in for emergency care.

 

Fletcher just reminds people to be careful during this time of the year, especially if they live in areas where rattlesnakes might be found.

 

“If you live in that kind of terrain you just have to be careful and watch out for them,” she said.

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(Alexandria, VA) - Springtime brings new poison exposure dangers, warns the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC).  Poisonous plants, snakes, pesticides and fuel products are just a few hazards of which consumers should be aware…

Warm weather inevitably brings out insect hordes.  Wear a Medic-Alert bracelet if you suffer from a life-threatening allergic reaction to insect bites or stings.

In the spring, snakes emerge from their winter hibernation hungry for food and water.  The best way to prevent snake bite is to avoid them – most people are bitten when trying to capture or otherwise disturb the creatures. 

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Use common sense in rattlesnake country

By Terry Knight — Record-Bee outdoors columnist

Updated: 04/28/2009 11:23:29 PM PDT

Along with its many deer, bears, birds and other wildlife, Lake County has an abundance of rattlesnakes and the spring months are when they begin to appear. Rattlesnakes can be found beneath old lumber piles, in barns and sheds, and even in backyards.

According to the Depart-ment of Fish and Game (DFG), rattlesnakes are the only native poisonous snake in Northern California. The most common rattlesnake in Lake County is the Pacific rattlesnake.

Whereas few things can raise the hair on your neck such as the sound of a rattler buzzing, the chances of getting bitten by a rattler are about the same as winning the lottery.

If you spend anytime hiking in the woods, sooner or later you’re going to come face to face with one of these critters. This is especially true for fishermen and hikers. Of all the years I have spent hiking and hunting in the woods of Lake County, I have encountered dozens of rattlesnakes but never have I been threatened by one. A few have buzzed at me but most have just crawled away.

They are secretive animals and would rather hide than fight. Actually, just about every outdoor person at one time or another has passed within a few feet of a rattler and not known it. Most of the time they just silently slither away unseen when approached by humans.

The rattlesnake is preyed upon by many predators in the wild despite its venomous bite. A coyote or a bobcat will never pass up the chance to make a meal of a rattlesnake. Hawks and crows can easily kill a rattler.While rattlesnakes do carry enough venom to kill an adult, deaths are rare. In fact, of the approximately 800 recorded rattlesnake bites in California every year, only one or two victims die. About 25 percent of the bites are “dry,” meaning no venom is injected. However, because of the bacteria in the snake’s mouth any bite requires medical attention.

The type of venom in a rattlesnake breaks down the tissue around the bite. When a rattlesnake bites its prey this action of breaking down the tissue hastens the digestive process and allows the snake to swallow its prey. If a human is bitten there is often a loss of tissue around the bite.

A rattlesnake’s fangs also contain bacteria and the venom suppresses the victim’s immune system, making it harder to fight this infection. While this rarely causes death it can result in the loss of a limb.

While the odds of getting bitten by a rattlesnake are low, there are certain precautions one must take when in rattlesnake country. More than 50 percent of all rattlesnake bites occur on the hands or arms. Normally a person will place his hand on a rock while climbing or picking up something. A nearby rattler will strike out in surprise.

Children are five times more likely to be bitten than adults. Most of the children are bitten because they often go barefoot or will actually pick up a rattlesnake out of curiosity.

Rattlesnakes are often found near old buildings or lumber piles. They also like rock piles. Like all wildlife, they are drawn to an area because of food, usually mice. By avoiding these areas you can reduce your chances of coming in contact with a rattlesnake.

What do you do if bitten by a rattlesnake? According to the DFG, the first thing to do if bitten is to stay calm. Generally the most serious effect of a rattlesnake bite to an adult is local tissue damage that needs to be treated. Children, because they are smaller, are in more danger if they are bitten. Get to a doctor as soon as possible, but stay calm. Frenetic, high-speed driving places the victim at greater risk of an accident and increased heart rate. If the doctor is more than 30 minutes away, keep the bite below the heart and try to get to the doctor as quickly as possible.

Wash the bite area gently with soap and water. Remove watches, rings and other jewelry that may constrict swelling. Immobilize the affected area. Transport safely to the nearest medical facility. All of the local hospitals are equipped to handle rattlesnake bites.

According to DFG regulations, the daily limit for taking rattlesnakes is two. No license is required and they can be taken by any method.

Most biologists say not to indiscriminately kill a rattlesnake. They eat gophers, moles and other pests and are a big part of our ecosystem. If they don’t bother you, don’t bother them. After all, they were here millions of years before us and will probably be here long after we’re gone.

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Fatal snakebites rare but still require emergency first-aid

29 April, 2009 06:45:00Keith Murray

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I receive a lot of questions about snakebites while conducting training classes onboard yachts, so this month I would like to start by telling you what not to do.

Do not cut or suck on the wound. In addition to the obvious risk factors to the rescuer, you can damage skin and organs, increase the risk of infection, and it will not remove venom.

Do not use ice. Ice has no effect on venom.

Do not use alcohol. Alcohol will not help and may increase venom absorption.

Do not use a tourniquet. They do not stop venom and may cause the victim to lose a limb.

There are more than 3,000 species of snakes worldwide; about 500 species are venomous. About 5 million snakebites occur worldwide each year, causing about 125,000 deaths.

Venom is basically a modified form of saliva. It immobilizes prey so a snake can eat. It acts quickly, affecting the central nervous system, lungs and heart.

If you are bitten by a poisonous snake or lizard, seek emergency medical care immediately. Don’t wait until you experience symptoms.

Never try to kill or capture the reptile just to identify it. Further exposure risks an additional bite. A snake has the ability to bite and release venom by reflex for up to 90 minutes after it is dead. Get as much information about the reptile as possible. If you can safely take a picture, this may help.

Antivenin may not be readily available at every medical facility. Call ahead to find the best place to be treated for the specific bite.

In North America, we have several snakes and lizards that are poisonous: pit vipers, which include rattlesnakes, copperheads and water moccasins/cotton mouths; coral snakes; the Gila monster; and the Mexican bearded lizard. In Maine, Alaska and Hawaii, there are no native poisonous snakes.

Symptoms from snakebites may appear within minutes or take hours. Symptoms may include severe burning or pain where bitten, swelling that starts at the bite and spreads, and possible bleeding from the wound as well as blistering, fever, nervous system disruption, numbness, convulsions, excessive sweating, diarrhea, vision problems, increased thirst, nausea and vomiting, rapid pulse, difficulty speaking, and difficulty breathing and/or cessation of breathing.

Sea snakes and some Australian snakes can cause muscle death in multiple areas of the body. These dead muscle cells can clog the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure.

Use caution when dealing with snakebites. A victim may have no initial significant symptoms, and then suddenly develop breathing difficulty and go into shock.

If you do not develop any symptoms after 10-12 hours, it is possible that you were either bitten by a non-venomous snake or no venom was injected. This type of dry bite occurs in approximately 25 percent to 50 percent of all bites.

Of those bites where venom was injected into the body, only about 10 percent are severe. But even if you do not develop symptoms after 10 hours, still seek medical attention and continue to look for symptoms for the next several weeks.

Snakebite victims should seek medical care unless the snake is positively identified as non-venomous. If you are not certain the snake is non-venomous seek medical attention.

A victim who is young, old or has health problems is generally at greater risk than a healthy adult. Factors that affect the severity of a poisonous snake or lizard bite include type and size of the reptile, as well as the quantity of the venom injected, the potency of the venom, the location and depth of the bite, and the number of bites.

Bites by non-venomous species require good wound care. Wash the bite with lots of soap and water and carefully inspect the wound for broken fangs, dirt or debris. Victims that have not had a tetanus booster within the past five years should get one.

Remove any constricting items, such as rings, wrist watches or other jewelry that could reduce blood flow if the bite area swells. Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart. Cover the area with a clean, cool bandage to minimize swelling, and monitor vital signs. If any changes occur, immediately call or radio for help.

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I would have to agree. I hate when people just automatically kill a rattlesnake out in the wild. Interesting that lightning poses so much of a greater threat.

Don’t let snake rattle you

I recently received an e-mail I thought I would share with you. It was written by Marsha, a Desert Sun reader from the Coachella Valley.

“Today I had an incident on the Bump and Grind Trail that really disturbed me. I was at the bottom of the last hill when I encountered a rattlesnake, maybe 2 feet long. My instinct was to watch this beautiful creature. I felt honored at being in its presence.

“Then this horrid man came along the trail and wanted to crush the snake with a rock. I said you are not going to throw a rock at this rattlesnake. He said ‘I am going to kill it with a rock.’ I said ‘You are not.’ I stood in the way of this man and guarded the snake. He was insistent he was going to kill the snake with a rock. I told him the snake had a right to be there, and he should be grateful to see it.

“Basically, he shouted that I was nuts. I stood guard over the snake until he finally left with his three boys. I was so grateful to see the snake and save it from this awful man.”

I can’t remember how many times I have heard such accounts from friends, relatives and people I have just met.

I commend Marsha for her willingness to confront a man who was eager to kill the rattlesnake. For those who might wonder, I would have followed Marsha’s lead.

Rattlesnakes are one component, one living part, of our desert environment. Most rattlesnakes spend their lives hunting and eating rodents and other small mammals. This time of year, they are also searching for mates.

Rattlesnakes do everything in their power to avoid detection by large animals, particularly humans. They have evolved a rattle that functions as a warning device when an enemy approaches to close.

Nearly all potential human- rattlesnake encounters are prevented when the rattlesnake shakes its tail, giving humans a chance to move away. I have encountered more than 1,000 rattlesnakes in my life, and only once did a rattlesnake not rattle before it struck at me. I was not watching where I placed my feet and shoved my boot into its side. Its fangs caught my pant leg but not me!

Each year, a handful of people in the United States die from venomous snakes bites. Of these deaths, most involve keepers or researchers that regularly handle venomous snakes.

By contrast, dozens of people die as a result of attacks from their pets (particularly dogs), hundreds die from honeybee stings and many thousands as a result of reckless drivers.

In the grand scheme of things, the threat posed by a wild rattlesnake is almost nonexistent. The average outdoor enthusiast is 1,000 times more likely to die from a lightning strike than from a rattlesnake bite.

If destroying something is based upon the threat it poses to our well-being, no matter how minor the threat might be, then we might as well destroy everything we see, hear or touch.

Frankly, the man who wanted to pick up the rock and smash the rattlesnake in front of his three sons scares me a lot more than even the largest rattlesnake.

James Cornett is the author of “Rattlesnakes: Answers to Frequent Questions.”

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First Aid Training – Quick Response to a Snake Bite

• by Bobbie McKee

Snake bites are serious. If not treated quickly, the victim can experience extreme reaction to venom and in a matter of minutes, the result can be fatal. Since majority of snake bites occur in a remote area, emergency medical help is difficult to acquire. Thus it is important that there is a person in your group with proper first aid training in order to administer temporary treatment to the victim.

 

What to do in case of a snake bite:

Snakes only attack if under treat, so the cases of snake bites can be attributed to people who get very near to the location of the snake or where snakes live. Thus, the very first thing you should do to the victim is to move him to a safe place. Once the victim is on a safe location, keep him still and administer the first aid.

If possible, try to identify the species of snake that caused the bite. Take a pictureor have a visual memory of the snake if you cannot name the specie. This is veryimportant since there are a lot of venomous snakes in America and the anti-venom that should be given must be compatible with the snake that bit the victim.

If you were not able to identify the snake, at least, pinpoint the exact location of where the incident happened. Location gives clues to the type of snake that lives in the area.

Remove any tight fitting clothing, a rope, lace or jewelry and use it to tie a light restricting bond inches away on both sides of the area that is bitten. Timing is crucial. So if the victim cries for help, do this procedure in the quickest possible time.

Ask someone to call for help. Remember that first aid treatment only aims to prevent, reduce, or slow down the effects of the venom, minimize the complications of the venom and ready the victim for professional medical treatment. Call 911 right away.

Do not cut into the wound as it can only create infections.

Apply a strong suction with the mouth or using bite kit suction device if available. Do this continuously on the deepest puncture marks, within seconds of the bite.

Clean the entire area with soap and warm water. Use antiseptic cleanser if available.

Do not feed the victim nor give him something to drink. Alcohol should not be given to the victim as it can add to the stress level.

Keep the victim warm and immobilized.

Check the bonds regularly. If swelling occurs, loosen as necessary.

Check for the signs of shock. If there are signs of unusual discomfort or major stress, assess if the victim requires other first aid techniques. Keep the bite away from the heart.

Keep doing the above procedures until help arrives.

Transporting the victim to the hospital is crucial. Make sure that he stays warm, immobilized and as comfortable as possible.

Give words of reassurance that everything will going to be okay and survival is out of the question.

Be ready to provide assistance. Contact the relatives of the victim, give useful information about the incident, protect the scene material and describe the first aidadministered.

In some cases, professional help takes a while to arrive so make sure that you keep your focus, stay calm and coordinate with the people around as first aid training is useless if you are not able to stay on top of the whole situation.

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Heat brings out Yuma’s poisonous predators

Story by Lance Cpl. Austin Hazard 

Photo by Lance Cpl. Austin Hazard

A Mohave rattlesnake stirs in a terrarium in the station pest controller’s office April 14. The snake, which is one of the most deadly North American snakes, was discovered in a field shower tent at the Barry M. Goldwater Range here April 6 during a Weapons and Tactics Instructor course exercise.

With summer approaching, residents here should be wary of increased insect and reptile activity in the area. 

Critters, such as scorpions, spiders and snakes, can be dangerous and are encountered more frequently during the warmer months. 

“The warmer it is, the more active they are,” said Jerry McCluskey, station pest controller. “I’ve already had more snake calls this season than I have the previous two years.” 

The bark scorpion, a common variety in the desert Southwest, can be identified by the way it lays its tail flat and to the side, instead of curved in the air. This allows it to squeeze into small and narrow cracks. Bark scorpions are particularly active at night and prefer dark damp areas. 

Another dangerous critter to look out for here is the female black widow spider. They are identified by their long, thin legs and red or orange hourglass-shaped marks on their undersides. Males are tan in color and considerably smaller. 

Black widow bites can go unnoticed and symptoms may not appear for up to six hours. Bites typically cause inflammation, progressive aches, muscle pain and in some cases may lead to death. 

Snakes, such as the sidewinder, Mohave and diamondback rattlesnakes are other warm-weather creatures to be wary of. 

The sidewinder rattlesnake is the most common snake found here, said McCluskey. It is identified by its sandy coloring, unique sideways movement and the hornlike point over each eye. 

Known to be one of the deadliest snakes in North America, the Mohave rattlesnake has a diamond pattern along its back, with black and white markings near the tip of its tail. The Diamondback rattlesnake, though not as dangerous, can be nearly identical in appearance to the Mohave. 

Despite being native to the area, the Mohave rattlesnake is reclusive and rarely seen, said McCluskey. 

Although a Mohave was recently found in a showering tent on the Barry M. Goldwater Range during the Weapons and Tactics Instructor course here, it was the first report in five years, said McCluskey. 

Younger rattlesnakes are often more dangerous than older ones. 

“The chances of getting bitten by a small rattlesnake are greater than with a large rattlesnake, because they get in smaller spots and they can’t warn you,” said McCluskey. “I usually only see the small ones, because the older ones are smart enough to know to stay away.” 

Younger rattlesnakes also have less control over their venom. An adult rattlesnake can decide how much venom it wants to inject into you, but baby rattlesnakes, they can’t control their venom, said McCluskey. 

Snake bites should always be considered poisonous, said McCluskey. The best thing to do for venomous bites and stings is isolate the injury, keep it elevated above the heart, and contact emergency services immediately. 

While waiting for medical help, victims should remain calm. 

“If you get excited, your heart rate is going to increase, and that’s going to speed up your circulation,” said Art Chavez Jr., station fire department assistant training chief. “With poison in your blood, that’s obviously bad.” 

Victims should not attempt to treat the wound in any way or remove the venom. 

“You can’t suck the venom out.” said McCluskey. “That’s a Hollywood thing.” 

If stung by a scorpion or spider, victims should be careful about removing stingers from the wound. 

“Scrape the stinger away with a credit card,” said Chavez. “Trying to pull it out could squeeze more poison out of it.” 

Anyone unsure if they were bitten by a spider or scorpion should call emergency services immediately. Taking an antihistamine while they wait for symptoms to appear can help reduce potential allergic reactions. 

McCluskey advises people to be aware of their surroundings and be cautious of small, dark, enclosed spaces in order to avoid bites and stings. Also, pay attention to anything that sounds like a rattlesnake’s warning. 

“Don’t ever put your hand where you can’t see it,” said McCluskey. “And be sure to shake out things like shoes, especially when they’ve been left outside.” 

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Beware of Snakes, Bacteria in Floodwaters   Posted: 8:13 PM Apr 21, 2009 Last Updated: 10:45 PM Apr 21, 2009 Reporter: Lanetra Bennett Email Address: lanetra.bennett@wctv.tv   The some 200 families displaced by area flooding are not the only ones. Animals and insects have also been uprooted, and residents are urged to be aware of the bugs and protect themselves during clean-up. Health officials say residents should also be on the look-out for snakes. Health officials say there’s an increased number of snakes visible because they’re searching for higher ground after the Suwannee River flooded the area more than two weeks ago. Dowling Park resident Edgar Melton said, “They say if it’s a poisonous snake you should cut across and suck the blood out and spit it out.” Health officials say that’s exactly what you should NOT do. Experts also say: do not apply ice or immense a snake bite in water, do not drink alcohol as a pain killer, and do not drink caffeinated beverages. Signs of a snake bite include: a pair of puncture marks at the wound, redness and swelling around the bite, severe pain at the site of the bite, nausea and vomiting, labored breathing (in extreme cases, breathing may stop altogether), disturbed vision, increased salivation and sweating, and numbness or tingling around your face and/or limbs. Local residents say they’ve spotted snakes in the area lately. But, health officials say toxins and bacteria also lurk in floodwaters. Residents and first responders who get cut, scratched, or punctured while cleaning up debris associated with the flood can get a tetanus shot and/or Hepatitis A immunizations at the Suwannee County Health Department for free. Dowling Park resident Lenny Sapp said, “I think that’s a good idea. Just like my house it was about two feet under water. It’s going down. My dad’s out there now stripping carpet out and whatever else he can throw right out the door.” Health officials say keep wounds clean, covered, and dry to help prevent infection. For more information on how to prevent and treat wounds and infections, as well as tips on what to do if you’re bitten by a snake, how to prevent and treat fire ant stings and bites: visit http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Environment/medicine/arboviral/Zoonoses/Rodent Zoonoses.html. The preliminary damage report from all that flooding has been released for Suwannee County. It shows 37 homes have been damaged in the area and 18 homes are totally destroyed and 17 homes have minor damage. The report says 140 are inaccessible. Officials estimate the total damage to county roads and public property comes to $250,000. Florida and local emergency management officials announce that an Essential Services Center will open Wednesday, April 22, in Live Oak to help survivors of the recent severe weather and floods. The Center is designed as a one-stop shop where local residents can receive information on recovery activities, state and local services, and connect to faith and community––based relief organizations. The center will operate from the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until further notice. The location: Suwannee County Emergency Operations Center 617 Ontario Avenue, SW Suite 200 Live Oak, Florida 32064 386-364-3405 For additional information please visit FloridaDisaster.org.

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Scary story. This is why you shouldn’t really hike alone. Or in tall grass in Rattler Country.

Snake Bite Victim Talks
about Ordeal

Biologist was bitten by rattlesnake
near Corona.

Last Edited: Monday, 20 Apr 2009, 8:19 AM PDT
Created On: Sunday, 19 Apr 2009, 4:13 PM PDT

• CityNews Service
• Posted by: Dennis Lovelace

Riverside (myFOXla.com) – A biologist who was bitten by a three-foot-long Southern Pacific rattlesnake in the Cleveland National Forest outside Corona was in critical condition Sunday at Loma Linda University Medical Center, hospital officials said.      
    
Mike Zerwekh, 26, of Moreno Valley, was groggy Sunday afternoon but lucid enough to speak about his ordeal in a telephone interview with City News Service.      
    
“I’m doing OK considering the circumstances,” said Zerwekh, who is a biologist with the Western Riverside County Biological Monitoring Program.      
    
Zerwekh said he was on his own time Saturday when he went for a walk in the mountains above Skyline Drive, west of Corona.      
    
“I was in high grass when all of a sudden a rattlesnake jumped and bit me in the leg,” Zerwekh said. “I don’t know if I stepped on it. I didn’t see it strike but I did see it. It was gray with dark blotches on the back.”      
    
Almost immediately, Zerwekh sensed the rattler had bitten him hard and long enough to inject a dangerous amount of venom.      
    
“I started driving looking for help,” Zerwekh said. “I could already feel dryness in my mouth, and tingling … all over my body.      
    
“The pain got more intense,” Zerwekh said. “It felt like a huge pressure all over my body. I was losing motor skills, control of my extremities. It made it difficult to drive the car.”      
    
Luckily for Zerwekh, he chanced upon sheriff’s deputies investigating a fatal crash, where a car had gone over a cliff, on Skyline Drive.      
    
“The police there called in the helicopter,” Zerwekh said. “They landed in a small clearing and got me on a stretcher and lifted me into the helicopter.”      
    
The crew of Cal Fire Helicopter 301, a military-surplus UH-1H “Super Huey,” tended closely to Zerwekh during the flight to the Loma Linda hospital. The roar of the chopper’s engine and rotors and the sudden sensation of flying did not drown out effects of the rattler’s venom.      
    
“I was conscious the whole way, trying to get through the pain,” Zerwekh said. “It was difficult.”      
    
Dr. Sean P. Bush, snakebite-venom specialist at Loma Linda University Medical Center, confirmed that Zerwekh was bitten by a rattlesnake, said hospital spokeswoman Katie Ellis.      
    
Zerwekh was the fifth rattlesnake bite patient treated at Loma Linda so far this year, Ellis said.      
    
Told he was in critical condition, Zerwekh said that was news to him. But he admitted to feeling weak from medication and all he’s been through since Saturday afternoon.      
    
Zerwekh will remain hospitalized in Loma Linda at least until Monday, Ellis said.      
    
He hasn’t had any visitors yet, but he said he doesn’t feel lonely.      
    
“I’m really grateful to everybody, from the police, to the paramedics on the helicopter, and the nurses and doctors at the hospital,” Zerwekh said. “They all did an excellent job.”      
    
Zerwekh said his father was flying in from Kansas to be with him.

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Rattler’s reputation takes a toxic turn for the worse

Experts suspect species is becoming deadlier

By Scott LaFee (Contact) Union-Tribune Staff Writer

2:00 a.m. April 20, 2009

With warming weather comes the return of rattlesnakes and renewed reports that one species of the slithering reptile may be biting more people and becoming more dangerous.

In recent years, some doctors and toxicologists in Southern California and across the Southwest have reported anecdotal evidence of an increase in snakebite cases, with more patients suffering extreme – sometimes fatal – consequences.

Last summer, San Diego Poison Control officials said the recorded number of “unusually powerful” snakebites had increased for the second consecutive year. Media attention has fanned the furor, most recently an article in the current issue of Scientific American that suggests the venom of the southern Pacific rattlesnake, a common species in San Diego County, is becoming “extratoxic.”

That’s bad news for potential bite victims and arguably worse news for rattlesnakes, but some herpetologists and snake experts question whether the phenomenon is real.

Each year, the San Diego division of the California Poison Control System records 40 to 60 rattlesnake bites in San Diego County, said Dr. Richard Clark, a toxicologist at the University of California San Diego and medical director of the local poison control center. In 2004, the poison control system recorded 42 rattlesnake bites to humans in the county. In 2005, there were 45; in 2006, 54; in 2007, 47; and last year, 41.

The real number is higher, Clark said, because snakebites are not among cases that doctors are required to report. Clark said he believes that locally, one or two snakebites in 2008 were fatal.

In the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are roughly 7,000 reported venomous snakebites each year, 15 of which on average prove fatal.

Clark said the number of snakebites varies with shifting environmental conditions. Wildfires, for example, can substantially affect rattlesnake habitat, reproduction rates and prey availability. He predicted that the annual number of rattlesnake bites will trend upward “as we continue to build and expand into East County and snake habitat.”

San Diego County is home to four species of rattlesnake: the speckled, the red diamond, the sidewinder and the southern Pacific, which is a subspecies of the western rattlesnake and the most abundant rattler in the region.

It’s the southern Pacific rattlesnake that’s generating headlines and concern, with speculation that the species is evolving and expanding into a more dangerous animal. To some degree, scientists say, there are reasons to worry.

First, southern Pacifics are more widely distributed than other indigenous rattlesnakes. They live in diverse habitat from the beaches to the mountains, and they are tolerant of disturbed, developed areas.

“Southern Pacific rattlesnakes thrive where people prefer to live, so people encounter them relatively frequently,” said Dr. Sean Bush, a professor of emergency medicine at Loma Linda University and a snake researcher.

Second, the snakes appear to be more easily annoyed than other species and are more likely to defend themselves aggressively. Clark described them as having “nasty dispositions” and more inclined than other rattlers to bite before retreat.

Bush called them “people-biting snakes.”

It’s the bite, of course, that concerns doctors, scientists and potential victims. Rattlesnake venom is a lethal cocktail of toxins that quickly causes significant tissue damage and hemorrhaging. The bitten prey weakens and dies, and then the snake consumes it.

In humans, an ordinary rattlesnake bite produces initial swelling and bruising around the wound, but quick treatment and new antivenins mean rattlesnake bites are rarely fatal.

There is research to indicate that the venom of at least some southern Pacific rattlesnakes contains an additional deadly ingredient: a fast-acting neurotoxin that affects breathing and muscle control. (A telling symptom of a southern Pacific bite is rapid, uncontrollable muscle twitching.)

A neurotoxin is also present in the Mohave rattlesnake, a deadlier, desert-dwelling species found primarily in Arizona and Mexico, though part of its range reaches into eastern San Diego County.

Some researchers have speculated that interbreeding with Mohave rattlesnakes has produced a deadlier version of the southern Pacific. Richard Dart, director of the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center in Denver, said it’s possible. “If they’re rattlesnakes, they’ll interbreed. I’ve seen it in the lab, though it’s probably not something that happens in nature every mating season.”

William Hayes, a biologist and snake researcher at Loma Linda University, is more skeptical. He dismisses the idea that southern Pacific rattlesnakes are naturally evolving a more toxic venom. The majority of western rattlesnakes lack neurotoxins in their venom, he said. If some southern Pacific rattlesnakes do in fact have them, it’s likely to be an unidentified toxin.

Bush suggests the phenomenon may be an example of convergent evolution.

“That is, an animal develops a similar trait because it utilizes it for a similar task,” Bush said. “Sort of like giraffes and brontosauruses both having long necks, probably to feed on leaves high in trees.”

On one thing all of the researchers agree: Size matters in snakebites. Adult victims tend to fare better than children because of greater body mass. And the bigger the snake, the worse its bite.

“I don’t know where the myth about baby rattlers being more dangerous came from,” said Dr. Roy Johnson, an Escondido-based physician and herpetologist. “The key is how much venom is injected, and a big snake injects a lot more venom than a small snake.”

Anecdotal reports of nastier snakebites may be due to a proportionate increase in big snakes. Hayes said chronic drought conditions in Southern California may have reduced reproductive rates among rodents and other small mammals, which are the southern Pacific’s preferred prey.

As a result, the rattlesnake’s reproductive rate has also declined, reducing the number of juvenile snakes. “We may well be seeing a shift toward more bites being inflicted by larger rattlesnakes simply because smaller snakes may now be disproportionately few,” Hayes said. Southern Pacific rattlesnakes can grow up to 4 feet in length.

Snakebite data suggest big snakes usually bite big people. Children tend to be bitten by small rattlesnakes they stumble upon inadvertently. Adults are more often bitten by rattlesnakes they try to pick up.

“If anything, we can expect the escalating emphasis on snakes in nature television programming to inspire more people to make dumb decisions about handling venomous snakes,” Hayes said. “We might be seeing a shift in the demography of snakebite victims, with more adult men, many under the influence of alcohol, getting bitten by snakes they should not have been messing with.”

Johnson, the Escondido physician who has treated hundreds of snakebite victims over 30 years, agreed: “Mostly people get bitten because they tried picking up a snake, because they weren’t smart enough to know better.”

HOW TO TREAT A BITE

Rattlesnake bites are rarely fatal when the victim receives fast treatment. Administering antivenin is critical. Traditional first aid, such as applying ice, using a tourniquet or putting suction to the wound, may cause more harm than good.

If the bite occurs while in a remote setting, the wounded area should be immobilized (especially if it is an arm or leg) and the victim quickly but safely transported to the nearest phone. Dial 911 and wait for assistance. If no phone is available, drive to a hospital or clinic.

---

 

LOCAL RATTLESNAKES

 

WESTERN/SOUTHERN PACIFIC 
Crotalus viridis helleri

Description: Up to 4 feet in length. Light gray or brown, with pale margins around dorsal blotches. At higher elevations, specimens may be black. Juveniles have yellow-green tails.

Habitat: Seacoast to pine-wooded mountain ranges.

Behavior: Aggressively defensive.

RED DIAMOND 
Crotalus ruber

Description: Usually in the 3-foot range, though some adults may exceed 5 feet. Distinctively reddish or tan, with subtle diamond pattern on back and a black-and-white tail.

Habitat: Areas of rock and brush, such as coastal sage scrub.

Behavior: Generally docile, though individual temperaments vary.

SOUTHWESTERN SPECKLED 
Crotalus mitchelli pyrrhus

Description: Up to 3 feet in length. Color matches earth tones of environs, with black speckles forming indistinct bars or blotches on back. Dark rings on tail.

Habitat: Most abundant in inland rocky areas and in the desert.

Behavior: Alert, nervous and quick to rattle when disturbed.

SIDEWINDER 
Crotalus cerastes

Description: Rarely exceeds 2 feet. Generally pale tan and pink, matching desert sands. Dark square blotches on backside. Hornlike protrusions above eyes.

Habitat: Sandy desert

Behavior: Quick and elusive, leaving distinctive J-shaped tracks.

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In my book the lowest people on earth are individuals who mistreat children. Just a step above such trash are those who mistreat animals..

As for the latter, though, there is a difference between humankind and lower animals. Humans are, for the most part, carnivorous, which means that the flesh of certain animals is an acceptable item of nourishment.

It was wrong to slaughter the buffalo just for the sake of slaughtering the beasts. Not only was the buffalo a prime source of food for many Native Americans, but also they used the bones for their tools and the pelts for clothing and shelter. There was nothing wasted.

The conflict between humans and lower forms of animal life spawned the endangered species act.

Like too many acts established for good reason, this one also can get ridiculous. One would think that rattlesnakes might be exempt from endangered status, but a few years ago that assumption was wrong. It didn’t include all rattlers, just the Western Prairie Rattler.

When the first Europeans arrived in North America, they encountered a unique creature, the rattlesnake. Some type of rattler can be found in every one of the 48 contiguous states. It even became a national symbol of sorts, with  “Don’t Tread On Me,” with the cut-up image of one used to promote “Unite or Die” as interest grew to separate the colonies from Britain. But all forms of rattlesnakes can be quite hazardous with a most powerful venom.

A majority of healthy people who suffer a rattler bite do not die, especially if they receive prompt first aid and good medical treatment. Nevertheless, a rattlesnake bite causes serious injury to a human and some do die from the venom. Those who survive  often have a life long problem.

The Western Prairie Rattler is one of only two types of rattlesnakes currently considered endangered. The other is the masaqua, smaller snake. This means it is against the law to kill a either of the twoi species unless the snake is actually attacking an individual. In other words, if you see one in the back yard where your kids play regularly, you cannot kill it unless it is actually attacking. The law apparently considers the snake more endangered than your kids playing and sharing space with one of the pesky varmints in the backyard. That is plain bovine effluvia. While one should not traipse in the woods to kill where there are no humans in peril there is a definite danger of one in the back yard whether or not it is attacking at the time.

I suppose one could go over and provoke the snake to coil and threaten to invoke its natural form of protection, but that is not a wise move. In some such cases the snake has been known to win.

One of the most erroneous and dangerous misconceptions about rattlesnakes is that they always give audible warning before striking.

If that was true, rattlesnakes would starve to death, since most animals that make up the diet for the snakes have an inherent knowledge of the danger involved when they hear a rattler shaking its tail. Often when the snake gets around to rattling, the damage has been done.

Law or no law, if there is a rattlesnake in my yard, attacking or not, it is not only  endangered but dead.

In a way, all rattlesnakes are endangered in one sense. Rattlesnakes (with most other snakes) and people cannot live side by side, and in most people’s mind, human beings still take precedent over reptiles. The main reason the Western Prairie Rattler is losing out is because people have moved into the area. In the conflict between man and rattlesnakes, the eventual loser is the snake. That is the law of nature, which supercedes any law that can be enacted in any legislature.

When farmers clear and till the ground it is detrimental to the snakes and they soon die out in that area. When the former range of the snakes is invaded by human settlement, the snakes’ days are numbered. It is an important reason why people, including Real Estate agents trying to sell empty houses, should keep the grass mowed and weeds cut down in their living areas.

It is probably fortunate there was no endangered species act when the dinosaurs started to die out.
 

Trivia Time: What is the average number of annual deaths from rattlesnake bite in the U.S.?

Answer to last question. The 27th Amendment to the Constitution was proposed along with the Bill of Rites but was not declared ratified until 200 years later in 1991. It simply states that the pay of Representatives and Senators cannot be altered until the next election for Representatives. Don’t feel bad if you didn’t know this since it seems the folks in Congress apparently don’t either. 

Contact George Frasher at 337-238-3433, E-mail frasher@cebridge.net.

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Hub City school expels 3 snakes

Officials taking precautions after teacher bitten

BRITTANY BROWN • HATTIESBURG AMERICAN • APRIL 15, 2009

HATTIESBURG — A baby snake bit an N.R. Burger Middle School teacher in her classroom, and others were found in the building two more times earlier this month.

Jas N Smith, Hattiesburg Public School District spokesman, said a baby snake was found in a classroom, a second inside a desk and a third in the school’s office. All the discoveries occurred around the first of April.

Smith said the teacher was bitten while trying to ease the snake out of her classroom with a pencil.

“The teacher was taken to the emergency room, treated and released,” said Smith, who added the teacher’s name is not being released. “She’s back at school and doing just fine.”

Dunagin Pest Control in Hattiesburg, he said, removed the snakes and inspected the campus, spraying chemicals to kill mice and insects, both part of a snake’s diet.

“The snakes were so young and small, they weren’t sure what species they were,” said Smith, who added no adult snakes or eggs were found in the school. “They’re not totally sure how the snakes got inside.”

Smith said maintenance workers have replaced a few door jams and patched small openings along the building’s exterior. As a precaution, he said, brush will be cleared from the school’s exterior.

Smith said a letter explaining the incidents will be sent home to parents.

“We’re staying on top of it,” he said. “We definitely don’t want this to happen again.”

But that might not be possible at this time of year.

“They’re starting to come out full force,” said Cody Dunnam, a herpetologist who founded Scales and Tails Inc., a free reptile rescue operation in Lumberton.

Dunnam, who has worked with snakes for the past nine years, urges Pine Belt residents to be on the lookout for reptiles.

“Snakes are cold-blooded and this continuous warm weather we’ve been having brings them out to warm up their bodies,” he said. “And anywhere you have mice or frogs, you’re going to attract snakes because that’s their basic diet.”

The Pine Belt is home to a variety of snakes including Texas rat snakes, black racers, copperheads, diamondback rattlers, cottonmouths and speckled king snakes, Dunnam said.

Mississippi has nine poisonous species: the eastern diamondback, coral snake, timber rattlesnake and two species each of copperheads, cotton mouths and pigmy snakes.

“If you see a snake, the best thing to do is to just leave it alone,” Dunnam advises.

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I would not have guessed that snake bites account for nearly this many deaths per year.

Lethal Snake Bites Kill 200,000 A Year
13 April 2009

Five million people worldwide, mostly in rural Asia and Africa, get bitten by snakes each year. Hundreds of thousands die or suffer permanent disability. A shortage of antivenin treatment in poor countries endangers countless farmers, young adults and children. 

Larry Bulanadi is known in the Philippines as the Cobra King, because of his skill in hunting the feared spitting cobra – a highly venomous snake that spits toxin at its prey.

Farmers have asked him to rid their farms of cobras. 

Today Bulanadi was called by this farmer who found two snakes in his field. If he gets bitten by a cobra, he could die quickly. Hospitals are far away and often they do not even have antivenin.

“There is a good chance to find snakes here because the field has been cleared of places they could hide,” he Bulanadi said. “Farm owners ask us to clear the field of snakes because it is a risk to their lives.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) says about five million people around the world are bitten by snakes each year. As many as 200,000 die, and about 400,000 lose limbs. Most victims are in developing countries in Africa and Asia.

The WHO says victims in developing countries, many of them children, die because they are far from medical help and because there is a global scarcity of antivenin.

Dr. Visith Sitprija runs the WHO Collaborating Center for Venomous Snake Toxicology and Research in Bangkok. He says the high cost of producing antivenin means poorer countries such as Cambodia and Burma cannot get adequate supplies. 

“It’s our commitment and in the terms of reference with WHO that we have to provide antivenin. They order from us from time to time,” Dr. Visith says, “but still we are not serving entirely the whole country, their country.”

Unlike other medicines that can be mass produced, Dr. Visith says antivenin is often tailor-made for snakes from specific locations. “Although they may share the common toxin component, the biological effect varies, you know depending on the environment, genetics and the food they eat,” Dr. Visith said.

That means antivenin for a spitting cobra in the Philippines may not work on someone bitten by a similar snake in West Africa.

In one snake farm in Bangkok, children are introduced to a variety of snakes. They learn that most snakes bite people only by accident, and they learn ways to avoid bites – such as wearing rubber boots.

For now, experts say the best ways to reduce the death and injury toll from snake bites are prevention and education.  

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I did not know that Copperhead Snakes were responsible for the majority of venomous snake bites in the U.S.

The Copperhead Snake.

 

by Colin T. Jones

Though not as venomous as other species, the copperhead snake causes the majority of snake-bites in the US. The copperhead can be recognized by its stubby shape and the clear distinction between the neck and the rest of the body although the cross bands that make up the overall pattern make classification possible too.

 

 

Copperhead snakes have pale bellies, similar to the ground on which they live, but they sometimes appear pretty whitish. There are visible spots or pits on the head of copperhead snakes that look like darker tiny specks, but there is also a rather discolored stripe on the head area behind the eyes; this stripe looks very diffuse on top but it gets brownish towards the edges.

Copperhead snakes can be found almost anywhere, from rock and pond areas to woods and the shores of streams. Their choice of habitat is dictated by the predominance of prey, as copperhead snakes live on frogs, small rodents, cicadas, lizards, caterpillars and anything else that cabe taken without too much trouble.

Among the best hide-outs for copperhead snakes, wood piles, stone slabs, walls, debris and abandoned or ruined buildings are the most common, which explains the possibility of a human encounter with them in such areas. Copperhead snakes are most active in the spring and summer months and as long as the weather stays warm, after which they enter the hibernation period.

Copperhead snakes return to the same dens to hibernate year after year, and more often than not, there are large nests counting many individuals during hibernation. On very hot summer days, copperhead snakes will remain in cooler areas during the day and use the cover of the night to hunt. On balmy summer days, the copperhead will lie in the sun on rocks or wooden debris. Copperhead snakes do not hatch eggs, but give birth to their young live. The number of young ranges from one to fourteen and they are usually born from the summer untill October.

Immediate medical assistance is absolutely necessary in the case of bites by copperhead snakes since there is the risk of permanent scarring accompanied by really unbearable pain. The best advice you can get when encountering copperhead snakes is to avoid them, because many people get bitten when they threaten the snakes when roaming or hunting.

Snakes will not attack you unless they feel threatened, then, you will see how fiercely they can defend themselves. Statistics reveal that copperhead snakes have the highest incidence biting in the United States, because these snakes attack immediately without giving warning signs like other species do.

About the Author:

Interested in the Copperhead snake ^[1]? To learn more about snakes visit http://caring-for-snakes.the-real-way.com ^[1] our brand-new web site. Click here to get your own unique version of this article ^[2] with free reprint rights.

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With as venomous as the Mohave Rattler is, this could have been disastrous.

Mojave rattler found in Marine shower tent

April 9, 2009 – 6:41 PM

BY CHRIS McDANIEL, SUN STAFF WRITER

  When Yuma Marines train in the desert, a portable shower can be a luxury – as long as it does not have a Mojave rattlesnake coiled up on the floor ready to strike unprotected toes.

  One of the slithering, highly venomous desert dwellers recently decided to make itself at home, but was quickly discovered and removed before it could sink its fangs into anyone conducting field exercises on the Barry M. Goldwater Range.

  The snake was being held in an animal terrarium in station pest controller Jerry McCluskey’s office at MCAS Yuma. There was also a sidewinder in a separate terrarium, and McCluskey said he will release the snakes back into their natural habitats after the training exercises are completed.

  “The snake is between two and four years old and is 2-1/2 feet long,” said McCluskey. “The Marines found the snake in the shower, which is one of the worst places because the Marines go in there with bare feet.”

  But the encounter in the shower was all the more hazardous because, as McCluskey noted, “the Mojave is the deadliest of all rattlesnakes. There are two toxins from rattlesnake bites, but not all rattlesnakes can produce both of them.

  “The first is a neurotoxin and the second is a hemotoxin. One attacks the nervous system, and the second attacks the tissue and blood. Neurotoxin is the most dangerous and does not hurt as bad at the site of the bite. Mojaves can have both in their venom.”

  McCluskey, who is the only pest controller on the station and is on call 24/7, said he does not mess around when it comes to catching deadly snakes.

  “I used specialized equipment to pick it up and to protect myself. I was a Navy corpsman, and whenever I had to treat snakebites, they were usually to the webbing of their hands. That means they were reaching for the snake at the time, which they always denied.”

  McCluskey said it is his intention to never be bitten by a venomous snake.

  “I have never been bitten by a viper, and I don’t plan on it ever happening. I will do everything in my power to keep from getting bit – and to make sure no one else gets bit either. My job is to keep our Marines healthy so they can keep us safe.”

  McCluskey said this is the beginning of snake season, and during this interview Thursday, he was called out to pick up another snake cruising around the base.