Springtime brings rattlesnake warnings
By Cindy Steinle · March 23, 2011 10:25 am
A sharp rattle while walking outside may be a welcome sound to herpers, but for most others, it's a cause for fear.
Rattlesnakes are one of the most feared creatures in the Southwest, and warming spring weather brings them out of their burrows in search of food. From the Edwards Air Force Base newsletter:
When it comes to snakes, staying away is staying safe. The best way to avoid getting bitten by any snake is to simply stay away from it, base biologists say. When outdoors, Team Edwards members should always watch where they put their hands and feet. If walking through dense shrubs or vegetation, heavy long pants and high boots should be worn.From MyFOXphoenix.com, much of the same advice:
If you cross paths with a rattlesnake, the rule is to take one step away. "One step away from the snake will put you a mile away out of trouble, a snake can only strike about one third to half of its total body length," says Marchand. 3 feet away is a safe distance -- and the Herpetological Society says it's a myth the snake will not chase after you.This one, however, also from MyFOXphoenix, raised some hackles in among herpers, rightly so. The video below will show why.
