Читать книгу Backpacking Arizona. From Deep Canyons to Sky Islands онлайн

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Near West Baldy Trail, Mt Baldy Wilderness, ssss1

RATTLESNAKES, SCORPIONS, AND OTHER CRITTERS

Generally speaking, animals are a minor hazard in Arizona’s backcountry. Rattlesnake bites are serious but uncommon among hikers, and they are rarely fatal. The best strategy is prevention. An awareness of rattlesnake habits allows you to avoid most unpleasant encounters. Rattlesnakes, like all snakes, are cold-blooded. They actively seek out surfaces that are about 80˚F. In hot weather, rattlers will be in the shade; in cool weather, they’ll be in the sun. In addition, they hibernate during the winter. If you see lizards about, it’s safe to assume that rattlesnakes may be out also. Rattlesnakes strike extremely fast, but only to a distance about half their body length. To avoid rattlesnakes, do not place your hands and feet within reach of a possible hidden snake. This is especially important when passing near shady spots in warm weather, where it may be difficult to spot a snake trying to keep cool. Remember that rattlesnakes are probably more afraid of you than you are of them. Most will rattle and give you plenty of warning. When you do hear the unmistakable strident buzz of a nearby snake, stop immediately and locate the snake before moving carefully away. If a person does get bitten, the main hazard is infection from the deep fang wounds and tissue damage from the venom. When rattlesnakes strike defensively, the bite is often dry. The venom is usually reserved for hunting bites, where the hemotoxic venom not only kills mice and other small prey but also starts the digestive process. Most snakebite victims have been handling or teasing snakes. But if a member of your party does get bitten, keep the victim calm and at rest, and send other members of the party for a rescue.