Straight-up advice: don’t wait for symptoms to appear; call 911
You shouldn’t let fear of snakes stop you or your family from hiking or biking the trails, especially since these days are getting warmer and sunlight lingers for longer. Even if you should stay away from venomous snakes, you are way more likely to die from a lightning strike than a snakebite.
Out of all the 7,000 to 8,000 people in the United States who were annually the victims of venomous snakes, five of them died, according to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The number of deaths caused by a venomous snake bite would be way higher if people didn’t seek medical care, according to the CDC. Just to make sure you stay safe, just arm yourself with prevention and protection tips.
Make sure you educate yourself, make good choices, and understand that you are pretty unlikely to be harmed by a snake, which is always good news! If, however, you do get bitten, hospitals are well-equipped with antivenom procedures. Snake bites rarely result in fatalities, especially if you are well-taught how to respond.
Symptoms of venomous snakebites
Snakes are very active during warmer months. In San Diego County alone, snake season generally spans from spring through fall. If you get bitten by a snake, stay calm and act fast. Severe pain, swelling, and color change at the site, accompanied by lightheadedness, are some of the most common symptoms of a poisonous bite.
Other symptoms may include puncture marks at the wound site, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, labored breathing, rapid heart rate, weak pulse, low blood pressure, disturbed vision, metallic or rubber taste in the mouth, increased salivation, sweating, muscle twitching, and numbness.
Call 911 right away
If you’re bitten, just call 911 to get the much-needed medical attention as soon as possible. If you need to find a phone, stay calm and walk at a relaxed pace. The whole point is to find a hospital and be assessed for possible antivenom treatment. For the best results, antivenom treatment should be offered as soon as possible after the bite. Ideally, a few hours after the bite. As you wait for emergency help to arrive, try to:
- Lay or sit down with the bite, in a neutral position of comfort.
- Wash the bite with some soap and water.
- Cover the bit with a clean, dry dressing.
- Remove the jewelry or tight-fitting clothing in case of swelling.
- Keep the affected area below heart level, especially if you can keep the venom from spreading.
What not to do
- NEVER pick up the snake or try to trap it
- Don’t wait for symptoms to appear if you get bitten; get some medical help right away
- Don’t try to apply a tourniquet. This could cut off blood flow to the affected area
- Don’t pack the bite area in ice
- Don’t cut the wound with a knife/razor. If you make an incision, it could damage the internal body structures.
- Don’t use your mouth to suck out the venom
- Don’t drink alcohol, caffeine, or any medication without a doctor’s advice
- Don’t use a snakebite kit. Why? Well, commercial kits have a blade for making an incision, which could only damage internal body structures. In fact, these kits may also include suction devices, which are extremely ineffective at removing venom.
What you should look for
It’s fairly important to know the types of snakes you could encounter on some trails or even while walking the golf course. For instance, in Southern California, the most common venomous snake you’re more likely to stumble upon is the rattlesnake.
The most common rattlesnake in San Diego County is the Southern Pacific, and it’s sometimes known as the Western Rattlesnake. It can be found close to the housing developments, parks, and even the beach. “Rattlesnakes are definitely a fact of life in Southern California,” as Dr. Benke explained. “You should be informed and then go outside and enjoy the warm weather.”
Rattlesnakes are quite easy to identify. They have a triangular-shaped head, a spotted body, distinctive rattle on the tail. Baby rattlesnakes are dangerous because they usually release as much venom as they can to protect themselves. For more information, the best thing you can do is call the California Poison Control System at (800) 222-1222.
How to efficiently prevent snake bites
Taking a couple of precautions and making sure you stay as aware as possible of your surroundings can truly go a long way toward preventing a trip to the emergency room.
Protect your skin
Try to hide your ankles and wear sturdy shoes. High ankle socks may help protect your ankles from unexpected snakebites while also hiking or running.
Take notice of warning signs
Try to heed the warning signs of snakes in an area. Always make sure you stay on the trail. Crevices between rocks, tall thick grass, as well as mossy areas close to waterfalls or rivers are definitely snakes’ favorite spots.
Be careful where you step
Try to pay attention and watch where you plant your feet. The last thing you want to do is frighten a sunbathing snake in the middle of the trail or golf course.
Don’t panic
If you see a snake, the last thing you want to do is panic. Slowly back away from it, and try to find a way around or go back the way you came. Snakes don’t harm people unless they are provoked. Respect their space, and they will respect yours. But whatever you would do, never ever taunt a snake.
Carry your cell phone
Carry your cell phone, especially if you want to be out alone in a certain area where snakes are active. Better yet, in fact, go with someone if you can. If you do get bitten, having someone to assist you might turn out to be helpful.
Call animal control if a snake is on the property
If you live in a place like San Diego, which is known as an area frequented by snakes, call Animal Services at 619-236-2341.
Avoid nighttime trail walks
Snakes can be active throughout the day, but they are also nocturnal, since they have to remain in motion on cold nights to keep a proper body temperature. Snakes can also hunt at night, since they have a heat sensor that allows them to detect unseen prey. It’s way too easy to miss seeing a snake in the dark.
Takeaway
Ultimately, there’s a way to enjoy the outdoors to the maximum, while minimizing risk, and you can do that by staying informed, prepared, and fully aware at all times. Once again, snake encounters are quite rare, and bites are even rarer, especially fatal ones.
However, prevention can be your best defense. You can take the same approach you would with any other natural hazard. Just respect it, you don’t need to fear it. If you’re venturing into nature with kids or pets, take the time to educate them about snake safety and how to recognize and avoid such creatures. You can keep the pets leashed, and teach your kids not to reach into the brush or turn over rocks with their bare hands.
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