Snakes alive!

It’s the time of year to think about the possibility of a confrontation with our old shaky-tailed friend from the world of reptiles, Crotalus viridis oregonus, otherwise known as the Western Rattlesnake.

Thankfully, for those who do not like snakes, this is the only venomous reptile we have to worry about around Sisters and is (most often) a retiring, somewhat gentle old soul. It would rather be left alone to go about its business of eating rodents, which it’s been doing since the end of the last Ice Age.

However, one must keep in mind that a rattlesnake is, indeed, venomous and does possess the potential of doing bodily harm to the careless, unknowing, or aggressive person who advances too far into the snake’s comfort zone.

It really is a retiring and somewhat gentle member of the pit-viper family. Honest. The only time it strikes first and asks questions later is when it is suddenly caught off guard and must defend itself from harm, or when it’s pushed too far.

Hiking, horseback-riding, off-road adventuring, birding, enjoying a walk in the sun... you shouldn’t be surprised to meet a rattlesnake near Wilt Road, McKenzie Canyon, Whychus Creek in Camp Polk Preserve, out on the Crooked River Grasslands, or along the Deschutes and Metolius Rivers. However, they are also found in the drier country of Fryrear Canyon, Dry Canyon, etc.

For some people that can be a dreadful experience, one that brings chills to their bodies and sweat to their brows. It is a mystery to me, however, how someone can dread meeting up with a rattlesnake when that same person goes tearing down the highway at 70 or 80 mph in a contraption made of rubber and steel that has killed more people in a week than rattlesnakes could in 100 years.

That said, what do you do to avoid a lethal confrontation with a rattlesnake? First, be aware that you are in snake country and let it (them) know you’re coming. Snakes can’t hear worth diddly and have lousy eyesight, so stamp your feet and wave your walking stick ahead of you.

Second, use common sense and think before you take the next step in tall grass, or place your hand on the next rock while climbing a cliff in the warm, morning sun. If you have children with you, please teach them to be cautious, not fearful.

If you do blunder into a deadly meeting and you become a victim of a rattlesnake bite the WORST thing you can do is panic. According to the latest information regarding rattlesnake bite first aid, the following steps are suggested:

• Move the victim to safety, remain calm, and send for medical help. The victim’s fear and anxiety is reduced by knowing that composed, competent assistance is with him or her, and help is on the way.

• Remove any jewelry or tight fitting clothing from around the wounded area. Quickly tie a light restricting band (NOT a binding tourniquet) both above and below the bite area a few inches away from the puncture/bite marks and, without cutting, apply suction directly on the main or deepest puncture/bite marks.

(This can be accomplished with a snake bite-kit suction device. Avoid the old “cut-and-suck” method; you will just inflict more damage, and the human mouth is full of germs.)

• Elevate the bitten extremity, keep the victim warm and immobilized. DO NOT administer alcohol.

• Apply antiseptic cleanser to the entire area and place a cold compress (not ice) as closely as possible without interfering with the suction process.

• Check constriction bands periodically as swelling may occur and loosen as appropriate.

• Monitor for symptoms of shock and be prepared to administer appropriate treatment.

A small child that was bitten a few years back near Wilt Road was flown to St. Charles Medical Center and came out of it with an impressive story to tell his friends, plus valuable knowledge about rattlesnakes.

A twin-spot rattlesnake — an Arizona variety with a reputation of possessing nasty venom — bit my oldest son who was showing it to a group and he came out of it no worse than embarrassed.

Keep in mind that in most situations a rattlesnake bite ends happily for humans — but not so for snakes.