The Monitor

March, 2011

From the Editor's Desk

President: Melissa Coakley
Vice-President: Michele Patton
Secretary: Carrie Gardner Treasurer: Doreen E. Saccardo
Chairman of the Board: John Soto
Editor: Carrie Gardner
Co-Editor: Doreen Saccardo
Field Trip Chair: Doreen Saccardo
Webmaster: Carrie Gardner
Membership Chair: Dennis Beeker Field Trip Chair: Bill Murray

NEXT MEETING:
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.
SHS'S YEARLY FUNDRAISING AUCTION
Moccasin Lake Nature Park
2750 Park Trail Lane
Clearwater, FL
727-462-2976

~~~~~~~~DON'T MISS IT~~~~~~~~

Alton of Smelt Feed and Pet Supply is donating a $15.00 gift certificate every month for our raffle. His store is located at 4116 East 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605, 813-248-2359

Web Page info: Calendar page is updated all the time as is Adoptions and Advertisements.

If you have photos you would like added to the "Club Photos" page, please email Carrie to have them added. YES, WE HAVE A PHOTO ALBUM THAT IS UP AND RUNNING AGAIN!

Carrie's Notes

It is the time of year again to start looking through your reptile things to see if you would like to donate anything (that works and has safe electrical cords) for our auction in April!

We had a phenomenal meeting on March 6th at Melissa's. Many things were discussed, and there will be many changes to come in the future...all good! I'm looking forward to things to come.

We got our bookmarks and postcards printed, and they look FABULOUS (and no, I'm not just saying that because I designed them). We're planning on distributing them out at the shows, pet stores, and the bookmarks to libraries or other educational places. If any of you have more ideas on where we can put them, we'd be glad to hear it.

At the end of March (March 26-27) is the Repticon show in Tampa. Michele and I usually man the tables, and Doreen will be selling subscriptions to Reptiles magazine. If we could have a couple more volunteers on those two days, it would really help. We could actually fan out, talk to people and try and get more memberships. And of course, you can walk around and look at all the animals too! We usually have a lot of fun at these shows.

Florida has PASSED the "Python Ban Law". You must already have your permit to own an ROC species except for the anaconda - you have to have a permit by October 1st. You can no longer buy, sell, trade, acquire any Burmese pythons, Africa Rock pythons, reticulated pythons, anacondas, amethystine pythons, Nile monitors or any other animal they decide to put on the list.

If you have one of these animals and got your permit before July 1st, you can keep your CURRENT ROC species until their death. You cannot acquire more.

However, go to www.myfwc.com to look for a map for people who are legally able to take your ROC if you no longer want it. And Amnesty Days will continue. For more information, please see our website or go to the above site.

Please, join www.usark.org's mailing list to see what you can do to help with the increasing number of proposed bills that are coming. Become a member or donate some money. All money donated is matched by ZooMed.

Ciao,
Carrie

Doreen's Column

Hi there~~

Anthony Spikes was our guest speaker last month. He works with emergency rescue. He did a great job with some excellent photos of venomous bites. Yummy, my absolute favorite!!!

We decided to change the auction to April cause Repticon will have their Tampa show on March 26 and 27, after our March meeting.

Last Sunday the Board of Directors had a meeting at Melissa's house. Some great ideas were put on the table. We wanted to try to have more people show up at meetings, so we decided to offer some incentives. If you bring a new person to the meeting, you will get a free raffle ticket and your guest will get a free raffle ticket. If you bring in five paid new members in one year, you will get your membership for the next year FREE. If you bring in TEN new paid members in a year….you have an option for a $20 gift certificate of your choice.

A point was also made that we have not been living up to our motto by not going out and teaching conservation through education. This is true, but some of us have full time jobs; but I know there are people in the club either retired or have flexible schedules. I think we need to get out there more often and speak to people, especially the kids. One point was also made that we can do the Great American Teach In. Every November ALL the schools have one day where they have all kinds of people from all walks of life speak. This year, lets make an effort to get out there and talk about our love and passion, and maybe even some reptiles.

Also, we want to have a few minutes for anyone who brings in an animal to talk about it. We especially want to give the kids an opportunity to speak, because, after all, they are our future. I hope this will encourage all of you to bring in something every month. I certainly enjoy talking about my babies.

Since we had such a productive meeting, we decided to have a board meeting every quarter. This brainstorming session is definitely needed on a regular basis. We would also like some input from the members. If you have a great idea, bring it up and we can talk about it.

Ideas were kicked around for a get together with the other clubs. This is a good way to find out what the others are doing and to fellowship with other cold blooded lovers.

We also wanted to schedule some more fun stuff like picnics and canoe trips. Make sure your dues is paid up so you can find out all this info BEFORE the meeting happens. We are no longer putting info on the internet until AFTER it happens. The dues are only $15 a year. That is only $1.25 a month. That is about FIVE CENTS a day. Just something to think about.

This meeting was not only productive, but fun as well since we celebrated Carrie's birthday with TWO cakes. One all chocolate (who brought that one)? And one with snakes on it.

When speaking with Anthony, he told me that the Fish and Wildlife Commission may have us host another Amnesty Day. Since I did not get a chance to elaborate on this matter, I will let you know more details at the next meeting.

Since I did not get a chance to email the wildlife officer to speak at our next meeting, it was decided that Dennis Beeker will be our guest speaker. His talk will be on "Educating the Educator." He will also bring some boas in. Don't miss this meeting.

I just wanted everyone to know that I am back selling Reptiles Magazine two years for the one year price of $24. If anyone is interested, please let me know.

I want to continually thank Carrie for doing all she does for the club. She keeps up with the newsletter and the website. I also want to thank Alice for keeping up with the member list and my monthly reminder call.

I want to continually thank Carrie for doing all she does for the club. She keeps up with the newsletter and the website. I also want to thank Alice for keeping up with the member list and my monthly reminder call.

Happy Birthday to:

March 5 ~~ Carrie Gardner
March 6 ~~ Brandon Klavins
March 6 ~~ Charles Batdorf
March 16 ~ Sean Tanner
March 24 ~ Pete Richardson
March 31 ~ Charles Brown

If your name is not on the birthday list, let me know and I will add it, (Either I don't have it or I forgot).

*****Thank you to all who do their part for this club. That is what makes our society the GREATEST in Florida.

*****Have a herpy day!! Doreen~~

SPEAKER RECAP BY CARRIE

It's that time of year again, when Florida's venomous critters are starting to come out with the warm weather. Last month, Anthony Spikes, who is a nationally registered EMT and volunteer at the Florida Poison Control out of Tampa General, and affiliated with the University of South Florida College of Medicine spoke about this very subject!. One of three centers (the others being in Jacksonville and Miami), they receive 40,000 calls a year from anything to insect/spider/venomous animal bites, prescription drugs, gases, fumes, poisonings, etc. This is a free service and can be reached 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Their number is 1-800-222-1222. But if you have an emergency, please call 911 and they will put you through. It is also good to know that Tampa General has a Registered Nurse, Physician Toxicologist, and an entomologist there at all times. And they carry antivenin for all snakes (including exotic species).

Here, I must inject a disclaimer on behalf of hospital emergency rooms everywhere. Please, if bitten, DO NOT BRING THE ANIMAL WITH YOU! Try to take a picture if you can. The safest thing you can do is leave the critter alone and get help. And if possible, be sure to circle the bite area with time and date.

The first thing that Anthony talked about was spiders. There are more than 20,000 different spiders in the U.S. Very few have the ability to break the skin with their bite. And ALL spiders have venom. That is how they kill their prey. The venoms in spiders liquify the insides of their prey so that they can basically suck them up. Florida has two spiders that can cause problems - the brown recluse and the black widow (also brown and red widow).

The brown recluse is a small brown spider that has a violin shape on its head. The females are larger than males, as is the case of most spiders. They don't spin webs and like to lurk in dark, and dry places like bathroom closets, over door frames, and in corners. Nonnative to Florida, they probably hitchhiked in the belongings and luggage of the many people who are smart enough to move or vacation down in Florida. Instead of the normal eight eyes, the recluse has only six eyes. There is no antivenin for the brown recluse bite.

The symptoms of the brown recluse mimic those of diabetes. The bite actually feels like a sting and can start to cause intense pain within 36 hours. The wound can look like a blister and eventually turn into a large ulcerated area. Seek medical attention immediately if you think you've been bitten. Interestingly enough, my Mom may have been bitten up north. The wound ulcerated almost down to her bone on her left leg. There was also an ulceration on her right leg. Eventually it affected her kidneys temporarily. The doctors first diagnosed diabetes, until her medication kicked in and her blood sugar dropped. She still has trouble with her legs ulcerating, and will have to wear compression socks for the rest of her life . . . again, something for diabetics. It was a painful and icky experience (I got to help on the bandage changes), and I'm not kidding when I say GET MEDICAL ATTENTION!

Now on to the black widow, red widow and brown widow spiders. Again, females are larger than males. They are shiny snakes with a red hourglass shape on their underbellies. They also prefer dark, and quiet places like garages, meter boxes, and furniture. Their bite may not be painful initially, but it will begin in 1-3 hours and last up to 48 hours. Symptoms include abdominal pain, dizziness, headache, sweating, cramps, weakness, and difficulty breathing. Seek medical attention immediately, as there is an antivenin for the black widow.

Now on to snakes. There are six native venomous snakes in Florida. They are the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, dusky pygmy rattlesnake, cottonmouth (or water moccasin), canebrake rattlesnake, copperhead, and the coral snake. The copperhead and canebrake rattlesnakes occur in the northern part of the state. In the U.S., there are 45,000 - 58,000 bites reported snake bites each year, 7,000 - 8,500 of those are venomous. However, there is a very low death rate associated with snake involved deaths. Usually less than 20 people a year die - including python constrictions and exotic species.

Rattlesnakes have buttons at the end of their tail which they like to rattle around when upset. You cannot gauge the age of a rattlesnake by how many buttons are in their rattles. The buttons are made out of shed skin. Sheds differ between snakes. And the rattle can be broken off as well. Another feature of the rattlesnakes, copperhead, and cottonmouth is they have elliptical pupils and, to me, there seems to a heavy brow that makes them look angry. However, I suggest you don't get close enough to find out what those pupils look like! If you would like to see what each venomous snake looks like, there are some excellent pictures on our Venomous Snake page on our website.

DO NOT HANDLE PIT VIPERS THAT ARE DEAD! They have a freaky postmortem habit of still being able to bite. Even if fully decapitated. And yes, most likely, venom will be injected.

It is important to note that baby venomous snakes have NO CONTROL over the amount of venom they inject. Adults can control the amount and can sometimes give a "dry bite," where no venom is injected. However, it is smart to be safe and get medical assistance as soon as you can. If you can, please circle the bite and write the time and date. That will help doctors determine how the venom is progressing in your system. In fact, doctors treating snake bite victims will circle the affected area every hour to see how the swelling is progressing.

Each of the pit vipers has a little difference in their venom . . . and how often they bite. If needed, they are treated with the antivenin Crofab. An allergy test is always done before administering. If you are allergic to sheep or papaya, then you will probably have an allergic reaction. As far as snake attitudes, dusky pygmy rattlesnakes have bit the most people (the Napoleon complex). They are very small for rattlesnakes, and though they have rattles, you will probably not hear them. Cottonmouths are also snippy. And the Eastern diamondback is the largest of the pit vipers and can inject the most venom. Also, to note: juvenile cottonmouths look like copperheads. If you happen to be in north Florida where copperheads occur, then the difference will be two black dots on the head. Again, I don't recommend getting close enough to check. If you don't know the species of pit viper that bit you, blood work done at the hospital can help to identify what bite you, depending on what toxins are in your blood.

Pit viper venom has hemotoxins, proteins, enzymes, and blood clotting inhibitors. It would be like swallowing 40 aspirins at once, as far as blood thinning goes. There are full body effects to bites such as a burning pain (especially with pygmy rattlesnakes), progressive swelling (which can last from weeks to months), severe tissue damage, tremors (like an alcoholic off of alcohol), metallic taste (more metallic with more venom), low blood pressure, weakness, vomiting, nausea, shock, and in the case of children, possible seizures. Time equals tissue (what EMT's call the "Golden Hour"). The fastest you can get to the hospital, the more that tissue can be saved. Pit vipers have two hyperdermic needle-fangs, and there will be two puncture wounds. You will probably have scars, and may need skin grafts or physical therapy a couple months later.

The odd duck in Florida is the coral snake. There are all these cute little rhymes that go along with them like "Red on yellow, kill a fellow. Red on black, friend of Jack." (By the way, who is Jack?). The easiest way I remember coral snakes is the stoplight. Yellow and Red are together in both the stoplight and the coral snake. Their mimics, the scarlet kingsnake, and the scarlet snake have red and black bands touching each other, and have red heads. Coral snakes are usually relatively small, only getting to 30 inches (though the record is 47 inches) and are very shy snakes. They are mostly found under logs and ground debris and are active in the Spring and Fall. You may see them sunning out on a rock. Instead of nasty puncture wounds, the coral snake chews on you, causing lots of blood. Venom is injected with fixed front fangs. However, they are so small that they usually can't really bite adults except between fingers and toes. They do have the strongest venom out of the six snakes, though. Their venom is a neurotoxin. This means that it attacks the nervous system. Sometimes respirators are used to assist in breathing as it can paralyze it. Typical symptoms are scratching, oozing thick blood, no distinctive teeth marks, lots of pain, droopy eyes, can't talk well, twitching. In short, a coral snake bite mimics the symptoms of a stroke. Unlike pit viper venom, there are no blood tests to detect toxins for coral snake bites. Despite what the hospital says, there is coral snake antivenin readily available at most hospitals. They may say they don't have it as a disclaimer because of something to do with expiration dates, but the FDA has extended these dates.

Now what to do if you get bit? I'll start with the DON'T'S .

~DON'T use a tourniquet. If not applied properly, you could lose a limb. It also keeps the venom from thinning out in your system. It is easier to treat the bite if the venom has thinned.
~DON'T apply ice because it will also prevent the venom from thinning.
~DON'T raise the bitten area above your heart. You want to remain as level as possible to help circulation and blood pressure. And you want to immobilize the bitten area if possible.
~DON'T eat anything.
~DON'T drink alcohol.
~DON'T cut across the bite or suck out the venom. It doesn't do any good, and the person who suck out the venom might get envenomated themselves if they have small cuts in their mouths.

And now the DO'S!

~DO call 911, and try and give them as many details as you can.
~DO circle and write down the date and time around the bitten area.
~DO remain calm. Yeah right? You're saying you just got bit by a venomous snake! But it is important to remain calm to keep your blood pressure and pulse calm. Take deep breaths.
~DO loosen clothes (including belt) and take off your jewelry. There is progressive swelling and you don't want to constrict anything.
~DO wash gently
~DO prepare to treat for shock.

Anthony gave a great talk . . . and a very important one. Thanks Anthony. A few years ago, I researched our venomous snakes, and got some picture contributions, and put up a page. I believe the information is current, though I'm going to double check.

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