Snakes
General
Most North American snakes do not attack or bite unless provoked. If you encounter a snake do not run. Remain calm and still - then back away slowly and carefully. In most cases, snakes will also back away.
Some ways to identify a venomous snake:
- Rattles at the end of the tail,
- Fangs in addition to their teeth,
- Facial pits between the nostrils and eyes,
- Vertical or elliptical pupils - non venomous have round pupils,
- A single row of scales near the tip of the tail - non venomous have two rows of scales.
Snake Bite Avoidance
When camping, consider the following:
- Place your tent in a cleared area,
- Most venomous snakes are active on warm nights - never step out of your tent barefoot.
- Don’t sleep without tent,
- Keep tent zipped up tight at all times - even when you are not in it,
- Check your sleeping before crawling in,
- Wear proper foot gear - such as hiking boots,
- Avoid hiking in heavy brush,
- Don’t reach into dark places,
- Your body emits heat - this could attract a snake or a sasquatch (nothing else needs to be said)
Bitten By A Venomous Snake
Watch for the following symptoms:
- excessive sweating,
- fever,
- increased thirst,
- loss of muscle co-ordination,
- nausea and vomiting,
- numbness and tingling,
- rapid pulse,
- If there are signs of shock - lay the camper on back, raise the feet about heart, cover with a blanket. Get medical help.
- bloody wound discharge,
- fang marks in the skin and swelling at the site of the bite,
- severe localized pain,
- diarrhea,
- burning,
- convulsions,
- fainting,
- dizziness,
- weakness,
- blurred vision,
Treatment
Seek medical assistance immediately. Consider the following:
- If the site begins to swell or change colour - the snake was probably poisonous,
- Do not cut into a snake bite and suck out the venom by mouth,
- Restrict movement - keep the affected area below heart level to reduce the flow of venom,
- If you have a pump suction device - follow the manufacturer's instructions,
- Remove any rings or constricting items - before the affected area begins to swell,
- Monitor vital signs,
- Lay the camper on back - raise the feet and cover with blanket,
- Do not elevate the site of the bite above the level of the camper's heart,
- Bring the dead snake - only if it is safe to do so,
- Do not apply a tourniquet or cold compress.
