Hiking in Rattlesnake Country

Spring has really been drawn out this year.  It's May 15th, and many of us haven't turned on our home air conditioning yet.  We're not complaining, but the cooler than normal weather means those critters we call rattlesnakes are just beginning to emerge from hibernation.   A week ago, hiking club members encountered a black tail rattler while hiking the lower elevations of Mt. Graham. 

Encountering a rattlesnake while hiking can be scary, (even hearing that distinctive rattling sound makes my heart race.) Rattlesnakes for the most part would rather choose to avoid hikers altogether, and if given an opportunity to escape, they will. With proper precautions, awareness, and knowledge, you will be able to avoid encounters with rattlesnakes, or if you do spot one while hiking, you will only come away with a set of "rattled" nerves.

• Be aware of where you are hiking.  Popular, well used trails seem to have fewer snakes since rattlers want to avoid humans. Check with other hikers or online reports regarding recent rattlesnake activity.  You will know if extra caution is required, or you can choose a different location to hike. 
• Watch where you are stepping, placing you hands, and sitting. (Enough said.)
• Stay on cleared, open sections of trails so you can see a snake.  Thick grass, brush, and fallen leaves makes a perfect hiding spot for a rattlesnake.
• Trekking poles provide a bit of safety as you can push back grass and brush on the trail or hit rocks and ledges that might serve as a nice sunning spot for a rattlesnake.
• Wearing long, loose pants and high top boots provide more protection against rattlesnake bites.
• Keep kids close and keep your dog on a short, non-retractable leash. (Because of a dog's instinctive behavior, they are bitten much more often than humans.)

If you do encounter a rattlesnake on the trail or find a snake right in front of you don't panic--FREEZE, LISTEN, and SLOWLY RETREAT.

Sometimes it is impossible to see a snake hiding under a rock or behind a fallen log.  It is important to locate the sound before you try to move away from the snake.  You want to avoid putting the snake in a position where it feels trapped or more threatened.

Once the snake is found, move away slowly with no sudden movements.  If you have a hiking pole, hold it between you and the snake.  If the snake does attack, it might go for the pole instead of your leg.

 A rattlesnake will coil in defensive posture if it cannot escape.  It will usually continue to rattle. It last defensive move is to strike.

In the rare chance you are bitten, the most important thing to do is say calm, try not to move too much, and seek immediate medical attention. (This applies to dogs, too.)

• Snake venom travels slowly through the body.  Most deaths from rattlesnake bites are caused by shock rather than venom.  Stay calm and restrict movement--time is on your side in most cases.  Rest at once.  An increased heart rate means increased blood flow and forces the venom throughout your body faster.
• The only first aid you should attempt is washing the bite area with soap and water or an antiseptic wipe.
• Apply a clean, moist, loose, dressing.  A moist dressing can sooth the snake bite area.  It is important not to apply pressure.
• Remove any items that restrict the swelling of the bite area.  This  means rings, watches, bracelets, and possibly shoes.  Swelling is normal and will occur.
• It is crucial that a snake bite be treated as soon as possible.  Try to call 911 from the trail and get help to you rather than hiking out.  If phone service is not possible, send another hiker to the trailhead to contact help.  If you are alone, layer your clothing to keep you body temperature stable and walk slowly back to the trailhead.  Exert as little energy as possible.  If you dog is bitten, do not allow them to walk out; carry your pet and keep the wound below the heart. 

DO NOT:

• Elevate the wound above the heart,
• Draw out the venom by cutting,
• Suck the venom from the wound,
• Apply pressure with bandages or tourniquets,
• Apply ice.
• Give medication like pain killers, or
• Try to capture or kill the snake.

It's also wise to know that not all rattlers will sound a warning.  (The largest rattler I saw on a trail was just coiled among the leaves watching the trail.)  And snakes do bite sometimes without injecting venom (dry bite).  But it is essential that you seek medical attention even if you do not exhibit symptoms of swelling and pain.

Spotting a rattler can be exciting, but most bites occur when people are intentionally engaging a snake.  If the desire to get the perfect photo of a rattlesnake is just too much, move to a safe distance before you reach for your camera.  Use a telephoto lens or digital zoom on your phone.  Watch for the warning signs of the snake coiling and rattling.  Back away and wait to take the photograph another day.

These tips will lessen your chances of having a painful, expensive, or deadly experience with this critter.
 

"Who Let the Dogs Out?"

Hiking with your dog, can be a great motivator to get you out on the trail.  Your “best friend” will enjoy a romp outdoors, and you will get some great exercise. However, bringing your dog along on a hike comes with great responsibility to both people, the environment, and your dog.

Hiking with your dog is a privilege, not a right.  There are often rules and restrictions regarding pets wherever you hike.  Dogs are very easily banned from great hiking trails due to misbehavior and irresponsible owners.  Having your dog under your control, and safe, responsible hiking will ensure our dogs are welcome on local trails.

These are some of the ways you can ensure you don't give canine hikers a bad name:

1.  Follow the local trail rules.  Find out about the trail before you go, and if it says "No Dogs Allowed," leave your dog at home or don’t go. Rules vary from place to place. For example, dog’s aren’t allowed in national parks but are allowed in most but not all national forests. In the Coronado National Forest, pets must be restrained or on a leash at all times while in developed recreation areas.  Even in areas where dogs are allowed off leash, your dog should always be under control--this means that your dog will come when called.  If your dog does not come when called, you should keep your dog on a leash.  We ask all members of the Gila Valley Hiking Club bring their dogs on hikes to also bring a leash and use it if necessary.  (So far, T-Bone, Emma, and Tippy have been perfect companions on hikes.  We love having them along.)
 
2.     Yield to other trail users. When dog owners meet other hikers, the dog and owner must yield the right-of-way to allow other users to pass. If you encounter a horse and rider, hikers should always yield the right-of-way to horses. Make sure your dog stays calm, refrains from barking, and doesn’t move toward the horse. If possible, move to the downhill side of the trail (so you don’t look big) and hold your dog close until the horse is well past. 
 
3.  Do not let your dog bark or lunge at other dogs and hikers.  You may have the nicest dog in the whole world, but other people don't know that. All they see is a dog, sometimes a big dog careening up a hill or around a curve. They think: Is it friendly? How is it going to react to meeting my dog? My kids? Where are the owners? Just because you have a small dog does not mean others find bad behavior “cute”. It’s just poor manners. Along those same lines – don’t let your dog repetitively bark and interrupt other trails user’s peaceful experience.
 
4.     No one wants to step in poo left on the trail either.  (That’s all we’re saying on that topic.)

5.     Protect the environment. Hikers and dogs should stick to the trails. It’s hard for dogs to control their natural instinct to strike out on their own.  But owners have a responsibility to see their pets practice minimum impact.

6.    Protect wildlife. Whether your dog is on a leash or under strict voice control, do not let them wander off the trail to sniff or chase wildlife. Don’t let them bark at wildlife either. If your dog is barking, it can traumatize critters. In the case of large animals, they may think your doggie is asking to be eaten.

So, how can you help your dog enjoy and be a successful hiker?  Here’s some tips.

 

1.     Hydration is also critical for dogs, so give your dog plenty of water before, during, and after the hike.  Don't count on finding water along the trail.  Pack enough for the entire day. A good rule of thumb is three liters of water for your dog's day hike. And bring along a bowl for your dog.
 

2.  Keep your dog well fed on the trail, because she will burn more calories than usual. Bring extra snacks in case you get lost and need to spend the night in the woods.
 

3.  Make sure your dog is properly identified with tags should he become separated from you. Put a photo of your dog in your pack.
 

4.     Take a look at your dog's feet before, during, and after hikes to check the condition of the pads. A solid callous is what you want. If the pads are pink or worn in any way, stop and let them heal. It can take up to a couple of weeks.  Be patient, it takes time to toughen the pads. Imagine how your feet would feel and look if you had to walk 5 miles barefoot.
 

5.     After a hike, check for and remove ticks, look for wear on the pads of paws, make sure your dog has plenty of water, and feed extra food as needed.
 

Great trail etiquette ensures your four-legged buddy stays safe and you both have an enjoyable experience.  And by respecting nature, the environment, and other trail users, we can ensure that dogs will remain welcome on trails for years to come.