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March 03, 2007
Snakes in the Grass
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| During a hike in upper park today we came across a
rattlesnake. It was in the process of dying and we didn't see it until
my 6 year old was just a couple of feet from it. It wasn't in any condition
to strike, but certainly freaked the kid out. We were looking for lizards
a few feet "off trail" when we ran across the snake. It had probably
been run-over by a mountain bike on the adjacent trail, or had a run-in
with
someone
further up the food chain. It wasn't too old, and was about 3 feet long
and pretty skinny. It seems like I see one every other year, and often during the months approaching Spring. I figured it would be a good idea to remind people that rattlesnakes are common in Bidwell Park. I've never seen one in lower park, but other than Sycamore Pool and Caper Acres I'm not in lower park that often. I'm sure they are there. I've seen two on the disc golf course off of Highway 32, both were on the "short course" that carries the majority of the foot traffic. In previous years I ran across two in Middle Park (between Manzanita and Horseshoe Lake). One was at the old Horseshoe Lake parking area, and the other had been run over by a bike near 5 Mile Recreation Area. The main reason I'm reciting locales is that in most cases I wasn't off the beaten path. Most rattlesnakes I came across were in areas regularly used by park goers. I've never heard of a person getting bit by a rattlesnake in Bidwell Park (I'm sure it's happened), but a friend of mine had his dog get bitten. But no matter where you are in Bidwell Park, keep your eyes on the trail for those critters with the vibrating tails. They are out there and are looking for ways to avoid people. If you see them first that makes it all the easier. |
Posted by Lon at March 3, 2007 05:23 PM
Comments
Hello Lon,
Thanks for the heads-up on your recent encounter with Ol' Mr. Buzzworm. It's timely as they'll be getting more active with the coming of spring.
Having had a hound bit in Upper Park, I've seen how easy it can happen, and the consequences are ugly. I was an Emergency Vet. Tech. for 6 years in Southern California; there is nothing more pitiful than a pooch bit on the nose, which is where it very often happens with them. Their whole head swells to look like a watermelon, and then there is the tissue damage and slow healing...yikes.
These rattlers live with us, so as you point out, it's good for folks to be aware, and also know how to live with them.
Check out the following link, which provides some excellent information and facts regarding "life with" Rattlesnakes:
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/printDS/78694
It's important to remember that they will not bite unless stepped on (or very near), biked over, or unless provoked by messing with them.
A few things to keep in mind:
1) on very hot days, they'll be in the shade, usually among dead branches, under/around rocks, in and near gopher/ground squirrel holes, and under ledges.
2) During cool summer mornings and cool clear spring days, they'll warm themeselves in open sunny sites (like trails and road edges); similarly, on cool spring and warm summer nights they'll heat themselves with residual heat radiating off of rocky and/or paved surfaces.
3) Watch where you step and where you reach; if you see one or hear one, leave it alone, back up and steer clear.
Interestingly, King Snakes, which are also in the park, are one of the main predators of Rattlesnakes.
John D.
Posted by: John Dittes at March 4, 2007 12:33 PM
This site has better first aid/emergency information for both dogs and people:
Posted by: John Dittes at March 4, 2007 12:40 PM
Hey John,
Great information and links, thanks.
The first time I saw a kingsnake I was about 10 and was hunting alligator lizards with some friends. We ran across a big, long, black and white snake and my friends wanted me to catch it. Unfortunately, I had just thumbed through a book on venomous snakes, and even though the snake didn’t have any red all I could think was “that’s a coral snake”(we were not near a Florida swamp, but as a 10 year-old kid I was sure I had just found a truly dangerous snake).
So I made a really good show of “almost” catching it. But unlike the big gopher snakes we caught all the time, there was no way I was going to touch that thing. Later that week I found out it was a kingsnake, and was bummed I didn’t grab it.
I’m sure my mom had no idea what we were doing, but my friends and I spent hours at a time catching and releasing snakes, lizards, frogs, newts, skinks, and scorpions. It was the kind of education you can’t pay for.
Lon
Posted by: Lon at March 4, 2007 07:05 PM