Most people don't encounter many snakes in their lifetime, and most don't want to. Everyone, however, should know how to act if they do come face to face with one. In particular, rattlesnake avoidance San Diego County way is a skill to acquire.
Rattlesnakes are encountered mainly in the wastelands around inhabited areas, but they may venture close to civilization to find food (mice, rats, gophers, frogs, and insects). They also may sun themselves on patios or steps right outside your door. They are shy, unless they are shedding their skin, and will stay out of your way if they have enough warning. However, you can't always count on them running away, so you should know what to do if you encounter one.
Identification is easy, especially in older snakes with well-developed rattles at the end of their tails. When disturbed, they make a distinctive buzzing sound. Rattlers have triangular heads and thick bodies of a mottled brown and tan color. Young snakes, which may not have grown rattles yet, are as poisonous as adults.
Snakes that are surprised - by a hiker stepping over a log, for instance, or climbing over rocks - may strike without warning. Hot summer weather makes snakes more active, especially around sunset, and warm days in winter may bring them out to bask in the sun. Being aware of conditions that snakes prefer can tell hikers when to take extra care, but it always pays to be alert.
Since snakes are hard to see in the desert country, keeping away from their preferred places is a good idea. Snakes like cover and may hide in long grass, weeds, and brush. They also like the nooks and crannies of rocky hillsides, where they can hide from predators. If you do see a rattler, it will probably be traveling from one place to another or sunning itself on warm rocks or earth.
Using a walking stick to beat the brush in front of you sends a warning, and snakes will usually move away from the disturbance. A stout stick helps maintain balance, eliminating the need to stick your hand out - right on top of a rattler. Boots made of tough leather that cover the ankle are the best sort of footwear for hiking in snake territory. Sandals and low shoes offer little or no protection from snakebite.
Most bites occur on the hands, feet, and ankles, so wearing protective gear and keeping to trails is good policy. It's also important to check a campsite carefully to make sure it's not already occupied and to keep tent flaps closed to keep intruders out. Always shake out your bedding before climbing in, experts say, so you won't find a surprise inside your sleeping bag.
Fewer than one person a year dies from a rattlesnake bite in California, but on average about 300 people are bitten. Snakebites are rarer than attacks by dogs or bees, but they are still cause for concern. Learning how to avoid a snakebite is better than hoping to survive one. Hikers should travel in groups, stay alert, carry cell phones, and make sure people back home know the area they will be hiking in.
Rattlesnakes are encountered mainly in the wastelands around inhabited areas, but they may venture close to civilization to find food (mice, rats, gophers, frogs, and insects). They also may sun themselves on patios or steps right outside your door. They are shy, unless they are shedding their skin, and will stay out of your way if they have enough warning. However, you can't always count on them running away, so you should know what to do if you encounter one.
Identification is easy, especially in older snakes with well-developed rattles at the end of their tails. When disturbed, they make a distinctive buzzing sound. Rattlers have triangular heads and thick bodies of a mottled brown and tan color. Young snakes, which may not have grown rattles yet, are as poisonous as adults.
Snakes that are surprised - by a hiker stepping over a log, for instance, or climbing over rocks - may strike without warning. Hot summer weather makes snakes more active, especially around sunset, and warm days in winter may bring them out to bask in the sun. Being aware of conditions that snakes prefer can tell hikers when to take extra care, but it always pays to be alert.
Since snakes are hard to see in the desert country, keeping away from their preferred places is a good idea. Snakes like cover and may hide in long grass, weeds, and brush. They also like the nooks and crannies of rocky hillsides, where they can hide from predators. If you do see a rattler, it will probably be traveling from one place to another or sunning itself on warm rocks or earth.
Using a walking stick to beat the brush in front of you sends a warning, and snakes will usually move away from the disturbance. A stout stick helps maintain balance, eliminating the need to stick your hand out - right on top of a rattler. Boots made of tough leather that cover the ankle are the best sort of footwear for hiking in snake territory. Sandals and low shoes offer little or no protection from snakebite.
Most bites occur on the hands, feet, and ankles, so wearing protective gear and keeping to trails is good policy. It's also important to check a campsite carefully to make sure it's not already occupied and to keep tent flaps closed to keep intruders out. Always shake out your bedding before climbing in, experts say, so you won't find a surprise inside your sleeping bag.
Fewer than one person a year dies from a rattlesnake bite in California, but on average about 300 people are bitten. Snakebites are rarer than attacks by dogs or bees, but they are still cause for concern. Learning how to avoid a snakebite is better than hoping to survive one. Hikers should travel in groups, stay alert, carry cell phones, and make sure people back home know the area they will be hiking in.
About the Author:
You can visit gooddogtrainingschool.com for more helpful information about How To Practice Rattlesnake Avoidance San Diego Style.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire