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Hey everyone. I'm new to this tribe, and I have a question.
I'm doing a 10 daycamping/hiking trip near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon this summer, and will have 4 types of rattlers to watch out for.
I've been researching options in case of a bite, and of course all say to get immediate medical attention. All well and good, except I will be in an area so remote getting out fast isn't an option.
Does anyone have info on the possibilities of riding out a bite? No doubt I could sustain major tissue damage, but I'm wondering what else I may encounter, other than the obvious.
Thanks
I'm doing a 10 daycamping/hiking trip near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon this summer, and will have 4 types of rattlers to watch out for.
I've been researching options in case of a bite, and of course all say to get immediate medical attention. All well and good, except I will be in an area so remote getting out fast isn't an option.
Does anyone have info on the possibilities of riding out a bite? No doubt I could sustain major tissue damage, but I'm wondering what else I may encounter, other than the obvious.
Thanks
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Re: Rattlesnake advice
Tue, March 1, 2005 - 8:47 PMWear tough boots and don't pick up any snakes. The likelyhood of you getting bitten are very small. I think that the worst risk is if you reach in a rock crevice while climbing and grab a snake. i think that the statistic is that in almost 90% of rattlesnake bites the person harrassed or picked up the snake. Its best not to step on one either so its better to shuffle step than to stomp around. Rattlers are really not very aggressive and will flee when they know you are there, if you surprise one just leave it be. They can also only strike about one third of their body length so that gives you plenty of safety if you just stay over 2 or 3 feet away -
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Re: Rattlesnake advice
Wed, March 2, 2005 - 8:23 AMThanks Victor,
I did a bit more digging around and found some more info on untreated bites.
I'm in the desert a lot and have had plenty of run ins and no problems. My best tool is my walking stick which is great for distracting them. And I'm careful.
My concern is my remote location and the impossibilty of getting out in a timely way. I will be at minimum 4 hours from civilization. -
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Re: Rattlesnake advice
Wed, March 2, 2005 - 11:27 AMOk, so I guess you are pretty familiar with how to deal with snakes. Probably your best bet is to carry antivenom as the cut and suction method is controversial and questionable in effectiveness. I would honestly be more concerned with the likelihood of twisting an ankle or breaking a leg in a fall if you are doing much climbing. Season and temperature are also very important as you may know. The North Rim is fairly high altitude and at least in spring I would think more of snow than snakes though deep in the canyon may be different.
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Re: Rattlesnake advice
Wed, May 18, 2005 - 10:57 PM"Does anyone have info on the possibilities of riding out a bite?"
Don't try to suck out the venom:
swollen lips, tongue, cheeks
are no fun, on top of the other indignities.
Sit down, remain calm. Accept
whatever may happen.
Expect *intense* muscle cramping:
it'll feel like they're shredding. Do
not panic. It'll pass, by degrees.
You should be able to get up and walk after
~6 hours, but do not exert, once you're
finally on your feet.
Drink water, if you've it.
Impress your friends at parties, later, with the tale. ;)
