Title: Living with the serpent in the Savage Garden

In the State of Colorado, for the third time in as many weeks, there has been a
report of an incident involving a snake striking a human.

Specifically, a rattlesnake.

The first of the three case reported involved a boy about ten years old, who ended
up spending several days in the hospital after a rattlesnake bit him on the hand.

The snake had been coiled up in a pile of scrap metal the boy was sorting through to
earn money for summer activities.

The second reported case involved a man who lapsed into a coma as a result of his
injury.

The third case reported involved a man playing golf, who went into the rough to
recover his ball and came away with puncture marks and pronounced swelling on his
leg and ankle which he will not soon forget.

I would like to say for those considering relocating to Colorado or to those who
desire to explore more of Colorado than they already have that such events are the
exception to the rule.

I cannot do so. In fact, this year the number of snake bites is up dramatically over
last year at this time.

But such things can be avoided. Over the past decade, for example, I have hiked
almost 10,000 miles and have more than a few encounters with rattlesnakes. I have
never been struck by a snake, and if I have anything to say on the matter and I do
I never will.

First, I always wear heavy hiking boots with a high thick collar or cuff.

Second, I always wear long pants. I know some would disagree with this choice,
especially in the hot of the summer, but it is better you sweat than to suffer the
after-effects of a rattlesnake's venom.

Third, I make a premeditated effort to schedule my hikes early in the day, before it
gets hot. Snakes like to come out in the heat of the day, and like to lay on open
surfaces, where you may walk.

Fourth, I know my snakes. In the State of Colorado the Prairie Rattlesnake is the
only known poisonous snake presently found in the state.

Fifth, I keep track of when I hike. In Colorado, historically, rattlesnakes are most
active mid-March through mid-October.

Sixth, I respect a snake, before I encounter one. The snake will usually do
everything it can to get away from me. I respect this and do the same.

Seventh, I know a snake. A rattlesnake has a tendency to strike or fight back only
when surprised or is unable to get away. (Aside: Almost half of all snake bites
recorded are caused because the snake was provoked by a person poking at it or
kicking at it.)

Finally, I respect the snake's likely territory. I do not put my hands or feet into
places I cannot see into, and I do not put my hands and feet into places not
immediately visible without first examining them carefully and safely.

Follow these suggestions and the odds are good you will never be bitten by a snake,
and you will not appear on the evening news, swollen and unhappy.

Learn more about this author, James Hess.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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