by
Memories
that last a
lifetime.
Snakes in the West
Many people are concerned about snakes due to Western movies created by Hollywood. Within the last 15
years of being on tours everyday, Canyonlands By Night and Day has only one sighting
of snake.
Our fear of snakes is disproportional to the likelihood of being bitten. Their creepy nature only enhances our
fear. Looking at some numbers helps put the risk in its place. Native, venomous snakes are found in every state
except for Alaska, Maine, and Hawaii. Each year in the U.S. approximately 45,000 snakebites are reported. Of
these, only 8,000 are deemed to be from poisonous species. One retrospective study in Utah identified only 9
poisonous snakebites per year that resulted in actual signs of envenomation. Even then, only five or six people
die each year from envenomations, nationwide. Now that doesn’t mean you are completely free from worry.
Those 5 or 6 people are the ones that didn’t get to the hospital, didn’t receive enough treatment, or are the
very young and very elderly who are more susceptible to the damaging effects of the toxins.
Most outdoor places where I’ve been, people want to throw little rocks at a snake or poke it with a stick to
see what it does. However, trying to upset a snake is a stupid thing to do. Just walk away. Take a picture if you
need to, but do it from a safe distance.
Some snakebites are just accidental. But strangely, some snakebites are “dry,” meaning no venom is injected.
Some studies have shown that 25% of rattlesnake bites and 50% of coral snake bites are dry.
We hear most often about pit vipers (e.g. rattlesnakes, copperheads, and water moccasins). Their name
comes from the heat-sensing “pit” on each side of their face that might make it look like they have four
nostrils. They have heads that are more triangular than their non-venomous cousins, because of the extra
room needed for venom glands. They have oblong or slit-like pupils, if you happen to have 20/10 vision from
afar or you’re looking at a dead one up close. Retractable fangs fold up into their mouths when closed. Many
have rattles, but not always.
Since you’re reading this article, maybe the next time you’re out and see a snake you’ll know what to do.
However, your friend may not be as fortunate. Let’s say he’s takes a hit of the bad medicine on his hand. Now
what? Hopefully you were able to get a good description of the criminal before he ran away. Some people
recommend killing the snake to have the body for identification. Unless you have a really good way of doing
this, I recommend you let it go. A word of caution: snakes can still strike by reflex even after they are dead for
a few minutes. Of course, having the snake’s body will not change how much venom has or has not been
injected.
You’ll have to rely on signs and symptoms and it can be tricky. The initial response to most snakebites
is a feeling of utter doom or panic. Even without envenomation, people can get emotionally unstable
or, conversely, withdraw and quietly prepare to die. Fear may make them become pale, clammy, and
lightheaded. They might become nauseated and vomit. A fast heart rate and confusion could also occur
from stress and fear alone. The best thing you can do is put on your cool, calm demeanor that exudes
confidence and skill as you help him or her to the nearest medical facility. Current science shows there is very
little else you are going to do that will help save the day.
Since behavior is not a reliable measurement in this situation, here are some more objective signs you might
notice on the way out. Within roughly 30 to 60 minutes you might notice swelling, redness, and bruising around
the immediate bite site. The person may also complain of burning pain, but not always. The initial phase of
the reaction is very local, but depending on the severity of envenomation it can progress to affect all systems
of the body. Effects most commonly seen are nausea, vomiting, numbness and tingling around the mouth
and in the fingers and toes, muscle twitching, tiredness, and weakness. In the worst cases the victim will have
difficulty breathing properly, develop a blood pressure that is too low for the vital organs, and may even
develop spontaneous bleeding.
With this confusing array of effects and the difficulty of knowing if, when, or how bad things will get: evacuate.
Poisonous snakebites are a true medical emergency. Over the years there have been many in-the-field
remedies for snakebites. Most of these therapies are as strange as our fear of snakes, and none of them work.
Mostly, they increase the harm that is already being done. Even if you were told to do these in the past, DO
NOT use tourniquets, incision and suction, ice, or electric shock. Things you SHOULD DO include stepping
away from the snake, removing any jewelry or constrictive bands/clothing, reassuring the victim, noting the
time the bite happened, and get moving to the hospital. Time is of the essence--these work best if given
within the first 4 hours, but you probably shouldn’t be making the victim run to get there. A large increase in
blood flow might shorten the time until systemwide effects occur.
Avoiding the snakebite from the start just seems to be the best approach.
Follow these general tips:
• Leave snakes alone.
• Don’t try to kill snakes.
• Stay on trails.
• Stay out of high grasses; they hide snakes really well.
• Wearing leather boots might prevent a few bites.
• Don’t put your arms and legs where you can’t keep track of them.
• Some experts say a snake can strike half its length. If you see one, double or triple that distance for a
margin of safety. So, what are the most important lessons? All snakebites should be treated as serious medical
emergencies. Forget what your scoutmaster taught you about treating the bite and get to a hospital. And,
strongly consider not playing with snakes.
Hopefully, you’ve learned a little about confronting snakes in the outdoors. If you haven’t already, sooner or
later you’ll see one of these critters on one of your adventures, but this time you’ll know better what to do.
Information provided by Dispelling the Snakebite Myth -by John C. Jones, M.D., A.W.L.S.