Rattlesnakes in the Prescott area

This is a summary of an article that appeared in the Prescott Daily Courier on 2017-04-26.

The first thing to remember is that snake bites are quite rare. Over a 10-year period, the Prescott (Yavapai Regional) medical center has treated only 3 bites. Snakes will bite only as a last resort—they really just want to be left alone. Also, ~25% of all “defensive” bites contain no venom at all.

Here are a few simple rules to avoid a bite:

• When you hike, never step or put your hands where you can’t see. Doing so is the easiest way to surprise a snake and receive a bite. This is particularly important when cadets are scrambling around the granite boulders that are scattered across the map—remind cadets to watch where they put their hands

• Keep your eyes and ears open—listen for the rattle, and stop immediately if you hear it. If the snake is more than a body-length away, you can back away. If you are very close, stay still until the rattlesnake moves away from you.

• Don’t harass a snake—if you encounter one, simply retreat a few steps and walk around it. Never poke a stick or throw rocks at the snake. Not all snakes are rattlesnakes—gopher snakes, for example, are non-venomous snakes that look similar to a rattlesnake—but they are beneficial to humans. Live and let live.

If you are bitten:

• Have your team partner blow the emergency whistle for help (three quick bursts in succession, continue until help arrives)

• Try to remain calm and limit your activity. Don't try and treat the wound or suck venom--wait for help.

• Try to keep the affected area below your heart

• Take off any jewelry or a watch that may be near the bite—the area will swell

For additional information on the four most common snakes in the Prescott area, see these wiki sites:

Western Diamond-backed, Black-tailed, Mohave, and Arizona Black