Snakes. They get my heart pumping and cause me to instinctively recoil from them. If I’m camping or hiking and encounter them, I usually jump back and scream. I do not want to be too close to them. Not only because I don’t want to get a snake bite but also because they are one of those creatures that simply creeps me out.
My Uncle Mike loved snakes (maybe he still does) and I recall him showing them to me and my siblings while they wound around his shoulders and arms. I actually worked up the courage to touch one once but quickly jumped away. I expected it to feel slimy….instead it felt more dry and smooth but still….no thank you!
I’ve seen snakes many times while camping given our habit of boondocking. Generally they are small water snakes who scurry away from us more quickly than we do from them. I’ve only once encountered any hiking in the foothills until this year surprisingly. So far, I have come across four of them – all within the last month; three of the sightings were on one hike in three different spots on the trail. The time of day was late morning to early afternoon; I generally hike in the early morning hours while it’s still cool so that may be why I haven’t spotted many in the past. Having said that, my understanding is they can be active at all times of the day. The ones I’ve seen have all been larger and look to be bullsnakes rather than rattlesnakes.
Because of seeing them more this year, I thought it would be good for me to educate myself at least a little so I knew what to do when I encounter them and, heaven forbid, actually get a bite from one. I worry about my dogs too who like to run off into the bushes to inspect different smells sometimes. I wanted to better understand the difference in care for bites from venomous vs. non-venomous varieties and focus on the ones more prevalent in my area of Idaho.
Bullsnakes are more common where I camp and hike; they are also referred to as gopher snakes and I believe are a subspecies of the same. They can get fairly large with approximately four to six feet being the average; I would say the ones I saw were around three feet at most. They can be mistaken for rattlesnakes due to their size and coloring (by those of us who aren’t experts especially) as well as it’s reaction when it feels cornered. Their color is normally yellow with patterns or blotches of black, brown, white or even red. They have small, sharp teeth vs. fangs and when they bite, generally you will see tiny pinpricks on your skin. If you react like I would and jerk away, it would likely cause a larger laceration. If your dog has a thick coat, the snake’s teeth may not necessarily be able to break the skin. Generally you will experience pain and scratches at the bite site. Did you know bullsnakes can also sometimes prey on rattlesnakes? They may eat their eggs or very young rattlers.
Rattlesnakes are found in desert areas. In Idaho we’re in the high desert so they are definitely around. I know locals have spotted them while hiking or camping at times. They are similar in length to bullsnakes and most have dark diamond or blotched shapes on a lighter background – usually gray or light brown. They have a triangle shaped head and cat-like eyes. Interestingly, what I have read from various sources say they generally aren’t aggressive so as long as they aren’t provoked, they won’t attack. They’re considered nocturnal so you may not see them as much during the day. They of course have a rattle to let other species know they’re around, unless they are very young as they are not yet able to produce a rattle sound. This is because the rattling comes from two or more separate pieces and young snakes are born with only one. Each time they shed their skin, they acquire another one. Rattlers also hiss as another method of warning so keep this in mind as well. They have large fangs (multiple rows of them) so if you are bitten, you will see puncture marks on your skin and usually experience burning pain. You may also experience nausea, labored breathing, and weakness. You should seek medical attention within 30 minutes of being bitten. Not all bites from a venomous snake result in venom being injected. You will experience irritation where you were bitten in these cases.
If you or your pup get bitten, remain calm in order to slow down the spread of venom; you should do this anyway even if you are 100% sure the bite is from a non-venomous snake. Call 9-1-1 if you know the snake that bit you or your animal is venomous OR if you are not sure….better to be safe. Move beyond the striking distance of the snake – most of us will do this instinctually. Try to position yourself so that the bite is at or below the level of your heart. Gently clean the wound with soap and water if you have it available. Cover it with something clean and dry. Remove any jewelry or tight clothing as you may start to swell. Do not use a tourniquet or apply ice. Do not cut the wound or attempt to remove the venom.
Try to remember the color and shape of the snake so you can describe it vs. trying to capture it – you need to remain calm and keep your heart rate low and chasing it would work against that. If you are sure the snake is not venomous, you should still seek medical attention for you or your pet so your wound can be properly treated. While Benadryl won’t do anything about the venom, taking some might help if you are experiencing an allergic reaction.
Snakes do play an important part in the ecosystem by eating small rodents (rats and mice), rabbits, lizards, moles, and birds so they shouldn’t be killed just because we think they are “bad.” As we encroach on snakes’ habitat, expect to encounter them. Even though they seem scary – to me at least – they won’t bother you if you don’t bother them. They want to be left alone so try and do just that. They will only strike if they feel threatened or cornered. Certainly if you or your pet accidently stumbles on to one, they will probably feel that way, so keep your eyes peeled.
If you want to learn more about snakes or how to avoid them, I recommend checking with your vet, your state’s fish and game department, or www.snakeavoidance.org if you’re in Idaho.
If you have any additional tips for avoiding these guys, other educational/safety resources, or recommendations for what you should do in case of a bite, drop us a comment. We love connecting with you!
