Snakes
From Portland Hikers Field Guide
The only venemous snakes of the northwest are various subspecies of the Western Rattlesnake. They are usually fairly small, 2 feet or less in length. They are normally mottled or striped and coloring ranges from brown or tan to white. Some rattlers have a greenish, olive cast. The key spotting feature for a rattlesnake is the rattle.
Rattlesnakes are venomous snakes and untreated bites are potentially lethal. The risk of snakebite, however, is often exaggerated. According to the FDA, in the entire United States each year, 8000 people are bit by venomous snakes, but only 9-15 victims die. Of course, that doesn’t mean that snakebites should be ignored. Fortunately, it’s usually pretty easy to avoid getting bitten.
According to government statistics, three out of every four snakebite victims are between 19 and 30 years old. 98% of victims are male. 40% of bites occur to people that admit they were playing with the snake and since 64% of bites are in the hands or fingers, maybe even more people were playing with them. In addition, 40% of snakebite victims are legally drunk. It seems obvious that taunting, capturing or playing with snakes is a recipe for getting bitten. “Hey guys, watch this!” is never a good way to deal with a snake.
The key to avoiding snakebite is to avoid snakes in the first place. Here are a few ways to reduce the chance of getting bitten.
- Stay out of tall grass and brushy areas. Give yourself the chance to see snakes first.
- When possible, avoid stepping over logs or large rocks. Hidden snakes might be startled and strike without rattling.
- Always wear good, thick boots to make it more difficult for snakes to bite.
- If you see a snake, leave it ALONE.
- If a snake is blocking your path, take a wide way around, or wait for it to leave on its own.
- Stay out of the striking radius, typically about half the length of the snake.
- If you hear a rattle, slowly back away from the sound.
- Talk to your kids about the dangers of snakes.
If you do get bitten, there are a few precautions to take:
- Remain calm
- Immobilize the bitten area
- Keep the bitten area lower than the heart.
- Get medical attention ASAP
- A bandage wrapped two-four inches above the bite, may slow the venom. This is NOT a tourniquet and should not cut off blood flow to the extremities. You should be able to slip a finger under the bandage.
- A commercially available suction unit may be used. The wound should not be sliced.
- Antivenin (often called Anti-venom) has potential allergic reactions. It’s best administered by doctors.
Many common treatments are ineffective or potentially harmful. Do NOT:
- Treat the bite with ice or cooling
- Use a tourniquet
- Cut the wound