Essential Tips for Surviving a Rattlesnake Encounter

In the spring here in Arizona, the odds of seeing a rattlesnake are at their highest. I recently had my own rattlesnake encounter. That got me to wondering what the experts recommend these days. Over time, we've come to better understand rattlesnakes, their behavior and their venom. I contacted the Maricopa County Parks staff, which led me to John Gunn, supervisor of Spur Cross Ranch (one of the county's excellent parks). Here's what he had to say:

1. Realize that every rattlesnake encounter is different.
2. Consider going back the way you came. That's not always possible with certain loop hikes or point-to-point hikes.
3. Try throwing a handful of pebbles or some sand near the snake. Maybe even consider a gentle poke with a (long!) hiking stick. That's often enough to encourage a rattler to move. "They have nothing to gain, but everything to lose in an encounter with a human," Gunn said.
4. Stick to the center of the trail. That keeps you out of tall grass lining the trail, where rattlers can hang out and wait for a tasty rodent meal. Bear in mind: snakes realize "a human leg is not a suitable meal." Often, you'll pass them without realizing they're there - no rattle, no striking. The trouble comes if you don't see a snake and you step on it. "Then, you get bit like a mouse trap," Gunn said.
5. Carry a walking stick or trekking pole. Use it to gently fluff any weeds or tall growth alongside the trail. This can also help move a snake and provoke a warning rattle.
6. As the weather gets hotter, snakes will be more nocturnal. So they'll be less active during daylight, and more active at dusk, night and dawn. Act accordingly.
7. Try not to kill the snake unless there's no other choice.
8. Keep your brain engaged and realize that not every stick lying in the trail is a stick. Look for the eyes, diamond patterns and, of course, a rattle.

Stomping along the trail doesn't do much, Gunn said. He's tried it, and it doesn't seem to help. He believes humans might not have enough force, where a horse clomping along can generate vibrations that encourage a snake to move on.

If you do get bitten, though, a cell phone is your best friend. Here's what to do.

1. Determine whether it was a rattlesnake. If you can't immediately see a rattle, a "liquid fire sensation" near the wound will tell you that it was a rattler.
2. Dial 9-1-1 and ask for a helicopter to evacuate you by air.
3. Let the responders know that you want a "full-bore" saline solution to be delivered intravenously. This combats a potential shut-down of your kidney functions. I'd never heard about this before, but I found an interesting newspaper story mentioning it. This is a piece of information any desert dweller or visitor should know.

Even with proper, prompt treatment, a rattlesnake strike involving a discharge of venom is what Gunn describes as "a grevious wound." Bite victims can be out of commission for up to two weeks. The first few days are painful, and might include some serious swelling, endema and skin blisters.

You may have noticed that I qualified this by saying "... strike involving a full discharge of venom." That's because some strikes might be "dry" or less than full-strength. My mother was once bitten by a rattler that had just eaten. It had discharged its venom on the prey that was in its belly digesting. She never swelled up to the point that she required anti-venin, and she was discharged from the hospital the same day.

I'd also add that you should stay calm, hike with a GPS and preferably hike in a group. And you should NOT try sucking venom from the wounds. It might seem obvious to all but those who have watched too many spaghetti westerns. Just don't do it. And don't apply anything cold or icy to the wound.

Something else you should consider: If you hike with a dog, keep it leashed. Not only is it the rule in Maricopa County parks, it's common courtesy - and not just for other trail users: It's the good thing to do for your furry friend, too. Don't be responsible for your dog being struck by a rattlesnake. As their human, it's up to you to protect them. They're part of your family, so be good to them and keep 'em leashed.

Be careful out there - keep this all in mind when you encounter a rattlesnake. A little foresight and care can turn this into a memorable and positive encounter with a really amazing creature rather than a painful emergency.