RATTLESNAKES ARE COMING OUT IN BOISE
Warmer temperatures bring out the rattlesnakes here in the Treasure Valley and if you’re a hiker, biker, or camper, you should know a few things before heading out.
First off, there’s pretty much only one kind of dangerous snake we have here in the Treasure Valley and that is the Western Rattlesnake. The Western is fairly docile but if one decides to strike and you’re bitten, you could be in a lot of trouble. They are poisonous and you will need immediate medical attention.
These guys are generally in areas that are a bit more rocky so if you’re hiking Table Rock or biking through the foothills there’s a good chance you’ll come across one. And don’t think that’s the only place you’ll find the Western Rattlesnake. They have no problem venturing all the way down into people’s yards hiding in the cracks or underneath rocks and bushes.
Another thing to think about is if you bring your dog with you while hiking or biking, please keep them on a leash. Dogs are curious and love sticking their noses into different areas they’re sniffing out. That’s a sure way to get bit in the face and one bite from one of these guys could mean the end of your doggy’s life. Best to just leash up and pull him or her back if they’re heading too far off the trails or paths.
If you do get bitten, get to a hospital immediately. If this is not an option. Here are a few steps you can take according to wikiHow.
Move away from the rattlesnake. If the snake feels threatened, it can strike again. Therefore, the person who was bitten should move out of range of the snake. Get at least 20 feet (6.1 m) away from the snake.
Get medical attention. It's important to seek medical attention as quickly as possible. Most hospitals will have an appropriate antivenom, and most treatments attempted by people before the hospital do not help much. If you're in an area where you can call an ambulance, that is your best option. If not, try to find help to take you or the injured person to the nearest hospital.
Even if you're not sure if you were bitten by a rattlesnake, it's important to go to the hospital immediately. It's better to be at the hospital if you start to exhibit symptoms of the venom entering your body
DO NOT maneuver the area above the heart. If you place the area above the heart, the blood containing venom from the bite will go to the heart more quickly.
Keep the person immobile. If possible, keep the person from moving until help arrives. Movement increases blood flow, spreading the venom more readily. Therefore, you or the person bitten should try to minimize movement as much as possible.
Of course, if you are alone, it is more important to find help than to stay immobile.