Warm and spring-like weather not only brings out the hikers and turkey hunters in Lake County, but it also brings out the rattlesnakes. This is the time of the year when rattlesnakes breed and they can be very hostile to anyone who disturbs them, especially dogs.
Rattlers can often be found slithering under lumber and wood piles in the backyard. Old barns and other outbuildings are popular places for rattlesnakes.
Lake County has a healthy population of rattlesnakes and if you have every hiked in the woods you have probably passed within a few feet of one of these critters and never known it. One popular hiking and recreational area that holds a lot of rattlesnakes is the Highland Springs area just outside of Lakeport.
According to the Department of Fish and Game (DFG), rattlesnakes are the only poisonous snake in California and they can cause serious injury to humans on rare occasions. The California Poison Control Center notes that rattlesnakes account for more than 800 bites each year with one to two deaths. Most bites occur between the months of April and October when snakes and humans are most active outdoors.
About 25 percent of rattlesnake bites are “dry,” meaning no venom was injected, but the bites still require medical treatment. Generally not aggressive, rattlesnakes strike when threatened or deliberately provoked, but given room they will retreat. Most bites occur when a rattlesnake is handled or accidentally touched by someone walking or climbing. The majority of snakebites occur on the hands, feet and ankles.
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 rattler will be nearby and 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.
The DFG says there are some do”s and don”ts when in rattlesnake country.
— Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking through wild areas. Wear hiking boots.
— When hiking, stick to well-used trails and wear over-the-ankle boots and loose-fitting long pants. Avoid tall grass, weeds and heavy underbrush where snakes may hide during the day.
— Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see and avoid wandering around in the dark. Step on logs and rocks, never over them and be especially careful when climbing rocks or gathering firewood. Check out stumps or logs before sitting down and shake out sleeping bags before use.
— Be careful when stepping over the doorstep as well. Snakes like to crawl along the edge of buildings where they are protected on one side.
— Never hike alone. Always have someone with you who can assist in an emergency.
— Do not handle a freshly killed snake, it can still inject venom.
North American rattlesnakes inject a venom that is called “hemolytic.” This type of venom breaks down the tissue around the bite. When a rattlesnake bites its prey this action of breaking down the tissue hastens the digestive process when the snake swallows the prey. If a human is bitten there is often a loss of tissue around the bite. The snake”s teeth also contains bacteria and the venom suppresses the immune system of the victim to fight this infection. While this rarely causes death it can result in the loss of a limb.
While uncommon, rattlesnake bites do occur, so have a plan in place for responding to any situation. Carry a cellphone, hike with a companion who can assist in an emergency and make sure that family or friends know where you are going and when you will be checking in.
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 which needs to be treated. Children, because they are smaller, are in more danger if 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 then try to get to the doctor as quickly as possible. The California Poison Control Center advises to stay calm, wash the bite area gently with soap and water, remove watches, rings, etc, which may constrict swelling Immobilize the affected area. If your dog gets bitten take it the local veterinary office as soon as possible.
Finally, don”t indiscriminately kill a rattlesnake. They are an important 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.
