Temperatures in Phoenix and surrounding areas are forecast to reach the low 80′s this first weekend in March, and that means our native reptiles will be active. While evening temperatures are still low enough to prevent much of the larger movement we’ll be seeing later in the month and throughout April, encounters are quite possible in the day time hours. I expect to receive my first calls Saturday morning as lawns are mowed and pool covers are removed.
Some general tips to enjoy this beautiful Spring weather safely:
• With any yard maintenance, always be sure to be aware of your hands and where they’re being placed. Do not reach into unknown darkness or become exposed to possible hiding spots of rattlesnakes.
• Keep doors to garages, sheds, and any place that could become good shelter closed unless necessary. Snakes will use shelter when it’s provided, and a nice cool garage is a perfect place to stay.
• While hiking or enjoying the outdoors, always be aware of the ground in front of you. Snakes may lay exposed on trails soaking up heat in the clearing and would be easy to step on if they’re not seen. Rattlesnakes will often remain motionless long after they are aware of your presence, trying to simply not be seen.
• Rattlesnakes require three simple things; food, shelter, and water. Any combination of these that can be found in your yard will increase your chances of getting a venomous visitor. A yard that is rodent-free, clean of clutter, and accessible water sources, will be less attractive for passing snakes.
• If you do encounter a rattlesnake, do not approach it under any circumstances. Popular culture and television has given many the false impression that these animals less dangerous than they are. Many bites occur when people, almost always men, poorly assess their knowledge and control of the situation. It’s not worth the photo opportunity or convenience to put a life on the line; simply walk the other direction or call a professional to safely relocate the animal.
• If you do not know what a snake is, do not go near it. Snakes do not give chase, leap through the air, or move faster than you can. Although these stories are often reported by even the most trustworthy of personal contacts and family members, they are simply false. An anxious encounter with an unknown snake can distort the experience, and these stories are perpetuated year after year.
If you are bitten, ignore the myth of self treatment and get to a hospital as quickly as possible. Biting, sucking, cutting, icing, tourniquets, store-bought snake-bite kits, and any other home made remedies for rattlesnake envenomation simply do not work. The best chance of survival with life and limb intact is to:
• Remove any jewelry or clothing from the area to allow for swelling.
• If possible, keep the bite area below the heart.
• Remain as calm as possible. Although certainly a scary situation, remember that modern treatment of rattlesnake bites is very good, and fatality rates are very low. The slower your heart rate, the slower the spread of the toxin. Remind others to remain calm as well, and keep control of the situation.
• Do not drive yourself to the hospital
If you live where snakes do, don’t wait until you see one to educate yourself. Among the many resources available, more information about how to identify native snakes in the Phoenix area can be found at PhoenixSnakeRemoval.com and in greater depth at fieldherper.com.
Rattlesnake removal and relocation services are available from Phoenix Rattlesnake Solutions by calling 480-237-9975 or emailing info@phoenixsnakeremoval.com. Call or email with any questions.
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