#244986 - 04/18/12 02:19 PM
Rattle Snakes?
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Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 05/05/07
Posts: 3601
Loc: Ontario, Canada
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Ok fellow ETSers, I need your help. My son and I are going backpacking for a week in Ontario's Georgian Bay rattle snake territory this summer. Snakes are not part of my experience so I'm looking for your guidance. Here's what I know so far: http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/on/georg/natcul/natcul2.aspx -watch where you are walking and where you put your hands and feet -give them a wide birth -wear boots and long pants Any sage advice to share on how to prevent a bad memory? It's black bear territory too so we'll be taking all the standard precautions for them. Should I just be thinking of snakes in the same way I take care against the big bruins?
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#244988 - 04/18/12 02:41 PM
Re: Rattle Snakes?
[Re: bacpacjac]
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Old Hand
Registered: 08/18/07
Posts: 831
Loc: Anne Arundel County, Maryland
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Just a couple of quick thoughts, FWIW;
First, from the link it sounds like there are several local snakes that could be mistaken for each other. I'd suggest treating all as if they are a rattler.
Second, I've been told they will slither away from noise/vibration etc. if they have a chance, and will strike if surprised or cornered. This is where a good walking stick might prove valuable. Use it to poke around in any place a snake might be or where you don't have a good view of what is there, especially before you stick your hand in or reach to pick something up. Helps give the snake warning and helps you keep your distance.
_________________________
"Better is the enemy of good enough."
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#244993 - 04/18/12 03:46 PM
Re: Rattle Snakes?
[Re: bacpacjac]
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Addict
Registered: 05/04/02
Posts: 493
Loc: Just wandering around.
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I live part of the year in the desert of Southern Arizona. Big time snake country.
Walking stick is a must have item. Probe anywhere you can not see clearly. Snakes can be very hard to see.
Don't pick up anything without first nudging it with your stick. I have seen snakes along side of rocks etc that were invisible until I moved the rock.
Snakes can only strike about 3/4 the length of their body. If you are beyond that distance you are safe to retreat. If closer, keep the stick between you and the snake so you can bat it off to the side if it strikes, but do not get the stick near the snake. The strike will be very fast, but you will probably hit the body and deflect the head. Move away quickly. 5' or so will suffice.
They use heat to image their prey more than eyesight. They will not fix on the stick like a cobra fixes on the flute of the snake charmer.
They really don't want to have anything to do with you. If one blocks your path, WAIT until it moves which could be several hours. Do not try to hurry it along. Go around it if possible, keeping at least 10 feet away if possible. At that distance you are probably not going to be a threat.
If you plan to stop for a few minutes in an area, first "sweep" it for about 20' in all directions. Your toe sticking around the edge of a rock has a similar heat signature to a small rodent.
I don't like them but they are a fact of life here. Our community has frequent encounters with them. They are dangerous, but usually they just want to be left alone. After the first few encounters the fear will subside a bit. Don't get complacent.
Nomad.
_________________________
...........From Nomad.........Been "on the road" since '97
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