Rattlesnake station

This Rattler came to visit us in our yard.

Rattlesnakes or Gopher snake

We used to live in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and no matter where you thought you might get away from people on a afternoon hike you would find eager climbers taking their dogs up into the red rocks. Of course I'm selfish; when I go out "there" I don't want to hear cackles of people blathering on their cell phones.

I don't know why, but around here I haven't really run into anybody on my weed picking excursions; the only exception being people 4-wheeling up by immigrant road and now by the reservoir which barely serves as a game watering hole these days.

Could it have something to do with Snakes? After all, this place wasn't named after the "tufted titmouse" (a bird)

So, At Rattlesnake station and up Rattlesnake canyon and places nearby, if I wasn't concerned about a hungry mountain lion or to be startling a herd of range cows I should at least consider the occasional surprise serpent basking on a warm rock.

A couple of years ago a friend of ours introduced us to rattlesnakes and gopher snakes. Not like we hadn't previously been familiar with their presence or their rattle, but having had the privilege to see them side by side was very revealing.

(Apparently Peacocks are known for their skill and ability to send the serpents into the eternal hunting grounds if necessary, and so will a case of "instant lead poisoning" some might say) But since I don't feel the need to disturb them unnecessarily and neither own a peacock nor a device capable of administering ILP I resort to what my parents taught me when we used to hike in Switzerland where we had vipers: stomp (..and yodel…no just kidding)

I suppose unless I was planning to eat a snake I am fine with coexisting at a safe distance; and I do carry a snake bite kit… but as a friend of the out doors and vet reminded me:"…good for your mind to carry that with you, but get to an emergency care facility ASAP!"

Excerpts from a pertinent Q & A about Rattlesnakes

From Fish and Game:

"….

When am I most likely to encounter snakes in the wild when I'm hiking, hunting, fishing or doing other outdoor activities?

When the temperature is neither too hot nor too cold for the snakes. In spring and fall snakes may be encountered more often during the warmest times of days. In summer snakes may be encountered more often during the earlier and later hours when the temperature is cooler. Snakes will be warming in the early morning in summer and resting during the heat.

What time of year and time of day are rattlesnakes most active?

Generally, rattlesnakes emerge from hibernation in March or April, or when the average daytime temperatures reach and remain about 60F and higher. The snakes are then most active when the temperatures are between 70-85F. This means that the snakes may be active most of the day during the spring, and during the early mornings and late afternoons throughout the summer. Exposure to temperatures above 90F for more than a few minutes can kill a rattlesnake, therefore during the hottest part of summer, snakes are seldom observed, except occasionally at night. Snake activity picks up again as temperatures begin to fall in late summer and early autumn before they go into hibernation as early as September or as late as November, depending on seasonal conditions.

What if I encounter a rattlesnake?

Don't let your fear keep you from enjoying the outdoors. Rattlesnakes are actually quite docile and shy when left undisturbed and will only strike in self defense when harassed or startled. Wear sturdy shoes or boots and loose fitting pants. Stay on established trails and keep pets on a leash, even if they are well behaved. Scan the area in front of you and be aware of where you are placing your feet. Use caution when placing your hands or feet atop or among rocks and crevices. Avoid running or allowing children to run, especially in dense vegetation, as you may startle a snake or you may not see it until it is too late. If you do encounter a rattlesnake, keep a safe distance from it and leave it alone. Most rattlesnake bites result from the snake being harassed or picked up!

What should I do when I encounter a snake?

Move slowly; don't make any quick movements in front of it; basically leave it alone. Snakes are shy. If we leave them alone, they are likely to leave us alone.

How do I know if a snake is dangerous?

In Idaho we only have two species of rattlesnakes. They are the only species of the twelve in Idaho which are potentially harmful to humans. You can recognize a rattlesnake by a rather large (in proportion to its body) head and by the presence of a rattle! Even a newborn rattlesnake will have a single button on the end of its tail. Every time a rattlesnake sheds its skin it grows a new rattle. All other Idaho snakes will have a pointed tail and no rattle.

What should I do if I encounter a rattlesnake?

Leave it alone. "Accidents" occur with all wildlife, not merely snakes, when humans do not leave them alone.

How can I avoid trouble with venomous snakes?

The best way to avoid trouble with venomous snakes (in Idaho, the western rattlesnake) is to be aware of your surroundings and observe some common sense safety precautions.

* Avoid disturbing, moving or killing snakes. Most bites result from harassing reptiles.

* Learn to identify the snakes in the area you are visiting.

* Observe the area from a distance before placing your hands in crevices etc.

* Lift rocks, wood or other covered sites so they are between you and the possible snake underneath.

* Check under your car on hot days in case a reptile is seeking shade.

* Choose open campsites and always carry flashlight when walking at night.

* Supervise your children's and pets' activities. Teach children not to play with snakes.

* Keep pets on leash.

Will I alert a rattlesnake on a trail if I make a lot of noise?

No. Snakes do not have external ears and are essentially deaf to surface noises; however, they are very sensitive to vibrations. Therefore, although they may not hear you approaching, they will probably "feel" your footsteps as you get closer to them.

What should I do if I get bitten by a rattlesnake? What if my pet gets bitten?

In the unlikely event you should get a rattlesnake bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Remain calm and immobilize the would, keeping it below heart level. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut or suction the would, and do not apply ice. If it is necessary to walk, do so slowly and rest frequently. Go immediately to the nearest emergency room or call 911. Follow the same procedure for a pet, only take them to the nearest veterinarian.

Can I die from a rattlesnake bite?

With advancements in antivenin research and today's medical technology, it is rare for a person to die from a rattlesnake bite provided they seek immediate medical attention. Although extremely painful and possibly life threatening without medical intervention, most people make a full recovery without lasting effects from the bite.

Do rattlesnakes always rattle before they strike?

No, and they don't always strike every time they rattle.

How far can a rattlesnake strike?

As a rule, rattlesnakes can, at best strike a distance of two-thirds their total body length. For example, a three foot long snake may be able to strike a distance of two feet. Always keep a safe distance from any snake. Move slowly away from it. Do not make sudden moves in front of it.

Do rattlesnakes always inject venom?

No. Some rattlesnake strikes are "dry bites" meaning no venom is injected. In fact, rattlesnakes can discharge from either fang, both fangs, or neither one. If you are bitten,, do not assume it was a dry bite. Always seek medical attention for any rattlesnake bite.

If I kill a rattlesnake will its mate hang around? I heard they travel in pairs.

Rattlesnakes are usually found together during the mating season (in spring and early summer) but are rarely observed traveling in pairs during other times of the year. It is not true that if a rattlesnake is killed its mate will remain behind to seek vengeance on the killer. "