Topic: Rattlesnake Season is upon us

[SoCalXTerry]

Well it is that time and I noticed this post from the District Wildlife Biologist of San Bernardino National Forest and thought I would like to post it for all of us out there.   As a matter of fact check out the stats at the bottom of this email:

 
From: Eliason, Robin -FS
Sent: Friday, May 03, 2013 2:37 PM
To: FS-pdl r5 sbf mt
Cc: Poopatanapong, Anne -FS; Boss, Kim -FS; Austin, David A -FS; Wieringa, Ed -FS; Snow, Daniel C -FS
Subject: Rattlesnakes
 
Yup, it

[KickinTires]

Yup, two nights ago I got home from work and parked the Fronty at the curb, climbed out walk and around to the front and as I was placing my last step into the gutter to step up over the curb something caught my eye.  In the gutter just under where my foot was headed was a small rattler about 12-14 inches in length.  Thanks to the Man upstairs, I didn't step on it and it had no part of me.  That's the fourth one I've seen on my property over the last 3 years...   I hate snakes!  Thanks Terry for this reminder...

[Loki]

Thanks for the info Terry!
Here's to keeping an eye out on the trials.

[MaxPower]

Good info Terry!  Thanks.

I ran into 5 snakes this last weekend while geocaching offroad in Ojai.  None had rattles but we treated them as they did and gave them plenty of room.

[SuperSlideStyle]

Holy cow, this was very informational and useful.  Learn sonething new everyday.  And those stats were crazy!

[Ghost65]

If that article doesn't hit home, read this story about a 13 year old's rattlesnake bite he received while hiking 4.5 hours from help, in Yosemite Natl. Park.  

If you are squeamish about blood, don't click on the photo section.  

However, viewing those pictures along with the related story and history of skin/muscle grafts/treatments should be the cure all for any of our snake curiosities...

The $700,000 Rattlesnake Bite

[s14slide]

Ran over one on the 330 on the way home last Monday on my bike.  In a braking section just over a hill at night.  Didn't have time to swerve (oncoming traffic) and it was as dark as all hell.  No moon.  Still on the brakes and went over it, made the front end wiggle a little and fortunately didn't get flung up into my legs or the rear tire/sprocket.  Be safe out there.