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Rattlesnake Populations
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by bigdawgwill44 on April 15, 2008
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Hello i am new to the site and have a question on rattlesnakes. This question deals with rattlers in the wild rather than in captivity or as pets. I live in Central Oregon where we have plenty of rattlesnakes in the summer (which kind of rattlesnake im not too sure). We have had a real long, long, cold winter. I was wondering, will the snakes die off from such an unusually long and cold winter and their populations drastically decrease in my area or will they just come out pissed with an attitude? This is something i have always wondered as i like to look/hold them and enjoy their beauty but am unsure of what type of behavior they will exert come this year when it is warmer (snowed like 6 inches two days ago!)Thank you for answering my question as i am not a snake expert, but one who enjoys them.
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RE: Rattlesnake Populations
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by MikeB on April 15, 2008
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Those snakes were living there long before this winter. They've denned through colder and longer winters before. Snakes come out of their dens when the weather permits, and they are geared by millions of years of evolution to hibernate through the winter months in good shape. No they won't have any kind of "attitude." They'll just be ready to hunt and fill their empty bellies and mate as they are every year. If you sleep in on a Sunday and delay breakfast until 11, you're still you. Same with the rattlers. Glad you enjoy having them around!
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RE: Rattlesnake Populations
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by bigdawgwill44 on April 15, 2008
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If i were to get hit while out on a nature walk in the desert by a northern pacific, what steps should i take if im approximately an hour from the nearest hospital? Also, i have a pair of 18" snake boots i wear when walking around, can the snake strike higher than that?
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RE: Rattlesnake Populations
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by puffadder7 on April 15, 2008
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northerns rarely reach over three feet but there fangs can penatrate boots, you are not likeley to step on one if you watch where you are going
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RE: Rattlesnake Populations
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by Cro on April 15, 2008
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Bill, one of the best things you can do on your nature hikes is to carry a cell phone with you.
If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, the more exertion that you do, the more the venom will spread.
If you can call for help, do that and let folks come and find you if possible. It is way better sitting or laying and waiting for a medevack helicopter than trying to hike out an hour. Try to keep the bitten extremidy lower than your heart level.
If you have to walk back to your vehicle, walk slowly.
18 inch snake boots should give you good protection, however, there is always the chance of a bite above the boots by a snake on a ledge, or a bite on a hand or arm when reaching somewhere and not seeing the snake.
A bite on an arm should be stabolized with a triangle bandage or sling to keep movement of the limb to a minimum. It is always best to travel with a companion, that way you have someone who can go for help, or assist you in walking out, etc.
Hope this helps
Best Regards JohnZ
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RE: Rattlesnake Populations
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by Peter84Jenkins on April 15, 2008
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Actually, northern pacific rattlesnakes can be considered a desert species in parts of their range. They do occur in vary desert like environs such as central Washington State, Oregon and down into central California. I hunted northern pacifics exclusively while stationed in WA with the navy. Also, I just got back from Santa Barbara California where I found plenty of northern pacifics both live and DOR.
As far as steps to take if bitten out of reach of medical help hmmm….Maybe Chris Harper will chime in here. But I can suggest the following. Stay vary calm even though that might be hard to do and keep the envenomated limb as immobile as possible. DONT use any sort of tourniquets, cut and suck, ice, electric shock or alcohol! Those are all vary taboo! DO keep hydrated with water if available.
They are extremely venomous there is no doubt about that.
As long as you’re observant of your surroundings you should be ok.
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