Snake Bite Prevention
Prescott spring weather is some of the most anticipated seasons of the year for many Prescott residents and out of town visitors. Everything from camping in Prescott to various outdoor festivals and events are available for everyone to enjoy. But the rise of temperature also awakens the rise of something else; snake bites. In fact the spike in snake bites has become a rite of late spring, according to hospital officials at Banner University Medical Center Phoenix, the hospital in Maricopa County that specializes in treating snake bites.
It’s important for Prescott residents to practice snake bite prevention. Suggested tips include:
- If you come across a rattlesnake, observe its beauty from a distance and let the snake go on its way.
- Rattlesnakes are most active in the evening and a night when they do most of their hunting. They are usually very active in the early spring after remaining inactive during the winter months.
- When hiking, wear hiking boots and loose-fitting pants to deflect fangs.
- It’s best not to hike in wilderness areas after dark. Carry a walking stick and keep it forward to let snakes know you are approaching their area.
- Stay on trails. Avoid high grassy areas and dense vegetation that limits visibility.
- Be observant. Do not step on or across logs. Do not blindly place hands between crevices in boulders or stick them inside burrows. Look closely before sitting on boulders or logs.
- If you hear the “rattle,” freeze. Look carefully to locate the rattlesnake and move slowly in the opposite direction.
- A dead rattlesnake can still bite through reflex. Do not touch a dead snake. Even a decapitated head of a snake will still bite for a period of time after decapitation.
If you happen to see a rattlesnake on your Prescott property, call a local agency that can help remove the reptile. If you are bitten by a rattlesnake get to an emergency room right away or call the national network of poison-control centers immediately at 800-222-1222 if you are quite a distance away. Stay safe and please practice snake bite prevention!
Crystal Creek Builders
928-445-3200
