Those who enjoy spending time outdoors doing activities such as camping or hiking are quite likely to encounter a snake at some time, if they have not already. Rattlesnakes are common to the southwestern United States, and despite people's fear of them, these poisonous serpents are actually quite shy. If they bite someone, it's usually after being provoked in some way. By being armed with the knowledge of how to both prevent and treat rattlesnake bites Poway CA hikers and campers will be suitably prepared.
As a rule, a snake encounter is less probable if hikers stick to clear paths in the wild. Areas with tall grass and thick underbrush can make perfect hideouts for snakes. Whenever walking through grassy areas is unavoidable, it's advisable to first probe the area with a long stick before stepping there.
When walking near trees, it's a good idea to also look up as well as down, since snakes are able to slither up trees and hide amidst the leaves. Sticking one's hand in a hollow log, or gaps between rocks is also not recommended since these are some preferred hiding spots for snakes, checking these spaces out with a flashlight first is best.
Even once a snake is technically "dead" it retains some of its reflexes and can still bite someone. Poking at a seemingly dead snake is not advisable for this reason, nor should anyone disturb a sleeping snake since they can be easily roused from slumber and prompted to attack.
The snake is mostly a nocturnal creature, which means it is most active at night. It's best to set up one's campsite away from tall grass, rocky areas, or a large fallen log or tree branch, where snakes may hide. Tents should be tightly zipped up at night, and any boots should be kept inside it as to prevent an uninvited guest from coiling up inside them.
If a person does get bitten by a snake, he or she must try to stay calm, quickly perform first aid on the wound, and then seek medical assistance as soon as possible. The toxicity of the venom will need to be counteracted with a special serum known as "antivenin" which is made up of antibodies that are produced by introducing the venom into a horse's bloodstream.
Washing the bite thoroughly with soap and water can remove some of the venom. The wound also needs to be kept below heart-level, as this slows the venom's flow. Swelling may occur, in which case jewelry should be removed so that circulation isn't impaired. Snugly wrap a bandage about two to four inches above the bite and use a suction device found in a snake bite kit for up to ten minutes to help extract as much as 30 percent of the venom.
Ice should not be placed on the bite, because it will reduce the effectiveness of the suction device. Neither should anyone suck the venom out with their mouth or make a cut about the bite mark to try to drain it. An increased heart rate raises the risk that the venom will circulate throughout the body, so it's necessary to keep calm and not panic.
As a rule, a snake encounter is less probable if hikers stick to clear paths in the wild. Areas with tall grass and thick underbrush can make perfect hideouts for snakes. Whenever walking through grassy areas is unavoidable, it's advisable to first probe the area with a long stick before stepping there.
When walking near trees, it's a good idea to also look up as well as down, since snakes are able to slither up trees and hide amidst the leaves. Sticking one's hand in a hollow log, or gaps between rocks is also not recommended since these are some preferred hiding spots for snakes, checking these spaces out with a flashlight first is best.
Even once a snake is technically "dead" it retains some of its reflexes and can still bite someone. Poking at a seemingly dead snake is not advisable for this reason, nor should anyone disturb a sleeping snake since they can be easily roused from slumber and prompted to attack.
The snake is mostly a nocturnal creature, which means it is most active at night. It's best to set up one's campsite away from tall grass, rocky areas, or a large fallen log or tree branch, where snakes may hide. Tents should be tightly zipped up at night, and any boots should be kept inside it as to prevent an uninvited guest from coiling up inside them.
If a person does get bitten by a snake, he or she must try to stay calm, quickly perform first aid on the wound, and then seek medical assistance as soon as possible. The toxicity of the venom will need to be counteracted with a special serum known as "antivenin" which is made up of antibodies that are produced by introducing the venom into a horse's bloodstream.
Washing the bite thoroughly with soap and water can remove some of the venom. The wound also needs to be kept below heart-level, as this slows the venom's flow. Swelling may occur, in which case jewelry should be removed so that circulation isn't impaired. Snugly wrap a bandage about two to four inches above the bite and use a suction device found in a snake bite kit for up to ten minutes to help extract as much as 30 percent of the venom.
Ice should not be placed on the bite, because it will reduce the effectiveness of the suction device. Neither should anyone suck the venom out with their mouth or make a cut about the bite mark to try to drain it. An increased heart rate raises the risk that the venom will circulate throughout the body, so it's necessary to keep calm and not panic.
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