For Goodness Snakes

Third, be aware of what is around you. In the military this is called situational awareness. Keep your eyes on the trail and watch the kids. I also keep an eye out for movement where it should not be. A well-camouflaged snake, its natural colors, can be very difficult to see. It sounds like a lot to do and it is. I constantly scan the walkway and keep a conversation going with the kids. That makes it easier for me.

Fourth, watch where you put your feet, hands, and body. Walking should be done with your eyes open and you being alert to movement. Additionally, as you pick up wood for the fire watch where you place your hands, and wear gloves. Many people are bitten each year as they pick something up. Never place your hands in a hole or place you cannot see into. Snakes often use dens, holes, or lie under rocks. Also, people think snakes come out by the thousands when it gets dark, this is not true, but they are harder to see. Always carry a flashlight after dark.

So, if you experience snakebite, how would you know? Perhaps you will see the snake strike, or feel the sudden pain of the bite, but not always. Also, Rattlesnakes do not always rattle before they strike, so you may not hear a warning either. You will start to swell around the bite area, usually within 3 minutes or so. And, you may continue to swell for almost an hour. But, wait, there is more.

During this time there is usually severe pain associated with the bite. If you check the injured area you will see the fang marks (normally two punctures, but there may be only one if the snake did not get a good bite), some bleeding, intense swelling, and there will be blood in the victim’s urine. This blood is from major organs that are injured by cell loss and tissue damage. Your patient will experience a bad headache, a lowering of their blood pressure with an increased pulse rate. Usually they suffer from severe thirst as well. Medical treatment should be sought immediately, because death can occur within 24-48 hours if left untreated. If you consider all the snakebites around the world, the pit vipers cause most of the deaths.

Well, now you know even more about snakes, what do you do if you get unlucky and experience snakebite? You will find most bites occur to hands, feet, and legs. You should cut the pant leg (or any clothing) or remove the pants (clothing). This should be done in case the swelling becomes severe. Then, most doctors will tell you to wash and clean the bite with soap and water, immobilize the bite and immediately seek medical attention. Also, various doctors will tell you to not cut the bite like they do in the movies, not to suck the poison out, and not to put a tourniquet on the injury. According to some doctors those television techniques might just compound the damage done. It makes sense to me. It all sounds easy, huh?”

All right, lets review some of the rules about snakes and the outdoors.

· Watch where you walk at all times in snake country.

· Make noise as you move, especially in tall grass and slow moving water.

· Watch where you put your hands and feet at all times.

· Wear heavy pants, high top boots, and gloves in snake country.

· If you corner a snake, make no sudden moves. Back off very slowly. The snake may strike at quick movements.

· Always check for snakes in your sleeping area, including your sleeping bag, and clothing before using them.

· Use sticks or shovels to move logs, fallen leaves, or rocks. Snakes love to stay in those areas.

· Never handle a live poisonous snake. If you must use a snake for food, kill it and remove the head before you handle it.

· Treat all snakes with respect. They are part of nature and should not be played with, tormented, or abused. Leave them alone and most of the time they will leave you alone.”

The boys all looked around the campsite and not a word was spoken for a long time. Wally had educated them and they were thinking about what he had said. The lesson must have taken hold because a few hours later one the boys approached me and asked to use the flashlight. He said he had to use the bathroom. As he walked down the trail to the port-a-toilet I could not help but notice he had his jeans on, his boots and was sweeping the light from side to side on the trail. I slowly shook my head and thought “Yep, Wally surprises even me sometimes.”

Stay safe and take care of yourself. I hope to see you on the trail soon.

author website: visit | author bio