Rattlesnakes, Oh My!

So, I took my friend to a Rattlesnake Habitat. She has been reading my blogs and loving the adventures my daughter and I have been going on. We wanted both kids to experience the wonders of nature and had decided to go on a hike that I frequent. Red Springs near Red Rock Canyon State Park is a beautiful place filled with vegetation. The desert is always in need of water and this natural spring brings many animals as well. Little critters are usually accompanied by larger predators and therefore, we get snakes. Rattlesnakes to be exact. I had no idea the boardwalk surrounded a natural habitat for them. Luckily, there are signs everywhere so we kept our adventurous children close. Of course, mine wanted to see the giant dried out plant in the middle of the habitat. We had a good look at the “snake” sign and had a bit of a chat about safety. Afterwards we went to a different section where the hiking trail was and the snakes were not regular visitors.

My friend raised a great point of not knowing what to do if we actually came across one. I have walked trails with them before and they have kept to themselves. I took comfort in the fact that they would rattle to warn me of their presence, but this is not always the case. I also know that younger snakes release more venom because they do not know how to retract as quickly as mature snakes. I learned, after research, the younger ones will not rattle. Further research, down the long rabbit hole, brought me to the information that rattlers will not always rattle before they strike. Even mature snakes may feel severely threatened, or be taken by surprise, and strike without warning. This information is permanently lodged in my brain now. So, the previous question…what does one do to prevent being bit besides bring a snake bite kit in case it happens? Remain calm and stay still! Leave snakes alone and give them space. Even in the resting position, do not approach. Avoid bushes. Here is a wonderful website from UC Davis filled with information if you would like to know more, and also what to do if you are ever bitten. Always travel with a buddy as well! Teaching kids to respect nature is of the utmost importance. It will save their lives. Thank you for reading and have a Thoughtful Thursday!

-Karen Hilliard

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