OK, so you have decided to explore the great outdoors and so far you are ecstatic, because every breath you take is crisp and clean. Everywhere you look the natural beauty that surrounds you is simply put... incredible. Still, there is this nagging feeling that you are not alone because in the Arizona wilderness there are snakes... rattlesnakes! So what do you do if you encounter one ?
According to University of Georgia Herpetology Program (2022), the actual risk of venomous snakebite and death in the United States is greatly exaggerated. Statistical records reveal that overall there are fewer than 1900 animal-related deaths in the country each year. In fact, bee and wasp stings and dog attacks account for the majority of these, while snakes only account for 5-6 deaths each year. Furthermore, most of these accidents occur at home with captive pets and in backyard encounters. The thing to remember, is that the majority of wild bites occur when the person is attempting to harass, kill or handle the snake (para. 2).
REMAIN CALM IF YOU SEE ONE.
If you encounter a snake, simply step back or, if you are on the road, drive around or let it pass. Most snake encounters are just observations of these animals moving from Point A to B. Remember, they are not interested in harassing you as you are much bigger than they are; they are just going about their business.
So, watch your step and reach.
Many snake species use camouflage to protect themselves from predators or to catch their prey. If you accidentally step on or grab a snake (Why would you?), that animal would react according to their nature. Remember, animals don't want to be hurt either and if they sense something or someone is trying to harm them, their response would certainly be aggressive.
Never place your hands, arms, feet or legs where you can’t see them when outdoors. Even reaching under the house for something blindly can cause you to disturb a hiding snake. While venomous snakes generally do not strike when approached or even stepped on, they almost always do if you grab them and/or pick them up whether intentionally or accidentally.
Always wear closed shoes and long pants when walking through woods or places where you won’t have clear views of where you step.
Walk around logs instead of blindly stepping over them. Some snakes are rodent specialists and feed along with logs.
Use a flashlight so you can see the ground at night in areas where venomous snakes might be present.
You are most likely to encounter snakes: 1) When they are crossing roads; 2) When they are moving through your backyard or through other transient habitats; 3) During the breeding season (spring or fall) when they out looking for mates; 4) When they are basking near habitat edges (e.g., water bodies, forest lines).
The following brochure, “Living with Venomous Reptiles,” was made possible by PARC (Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation) and the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Heritage Fund (Caldwell et al., 2004).
Enjoy the outdoors... hiking, camping, rock climbing, canoeing, fishing, or bird watching. The beauty of nature is there for us to enjoy and explore. Keep these basic suggestions in mind and you will be perfectly safe. Check out the link listed on the reference below if you want to read more about this subject.
Reference
University of Georgia Herpetology Program. (2022). HOW TO BE SAFE AROUND SNAKES. https://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/snake-safety.htm
Caldwell, D., Hare, T., & Herrmann, P. (2004). Living with Venomous Reptiles Brochure. Tucson Herpetological Society and Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Heritage Fund. http://www.swparc.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/living_w_venomous_reptiles_small.pdf
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