10 tips for surviving rattlesnake season in Tucson
With warmer days upon us, rattlesnakes are coming out of hibernation to seek out some sunlight.Â
Arizona, which sees around 200 reported rattlesnake bites a year, is home to 13 species of rattlesnakes, with eight or nine species living in southeastern Arizona.
They range far and wide — from deserts, canyons and forests to urban backyards.
Some rattlers slither a mile or more from their dens to places where they spend the summer, say department biologists.
The venomous vipers sometimes rattle before striking — but not always. So use these 10 tips to survive snake season wherever you go!
Watch your step!
Be on the lookout for rattlesnakes, whether you're out hiking or in your backyard. Rattlesnakes are known to blend in with their environments. When traveling during the night, carry a flashlight to make sure every step is the right one.
"If you encounter a snake, take one or two steps back in an effort to get out of striking range," said Keith Boesen, director of the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center.
Don't put your hands where you can't see
Avoid reaching into areas obscured by brush or rocks, there's no telling what lies in waiting in those hidden spaces. You could be reaching blindly into a shrub or brush where a snake may be hanging out.
Don't approach or provoke the snakes
More than half of all rattlesnake bites are caused by provoking or approaching a snake, the Arizona Game and Fish Department said. Children should be taught about dangerous desert animals and how to avoid risky interactions with them.
Rodent control
Rattlesnakes are attracted to their vital resources including food, water, and a safe place to live. Rodents should be eliminated from around your home. Start by filling all the holes that you find.
If possible, you can use snap traps and live traps but using poison traps might kill the wrong animals, officials say.
Other possible deterrents
Walls can be built to discourage rattlesnakes from enclosed areas. Specialists say a solid wall around four feet high will keep out most snakes. The bottom of the wall should be placed into the ground with no tunnels underneath.
You should also cover drainage holes with quarter-inch hardware cloth. A one-inch opening is an open door to a snake.Â
Reminder: These may be deterrents but there is no such thing as a 100 percent snake-proof fence. A snake may climb virtually any wall, and a tiny snake can move through small crevices.
Call your local emergency response department
Some fire departments will remove rattlesnakes confined in a yard or residence. Check with the department covering your area for more information about the services they provide.
Tips for if you're bitten: Go immediately to a hospital
Respond quickly by going to a medical facility and get treatment, if needed. If you're with someone who is bitten, remain calm and reassure them.
Remove items such as jewelry and watches from the affected area. Make sure to keep the affected area at a level below the heart. Decrease total body activity as much as you can.
What bite victims should avoid
Don't believe the myths! Refrain from cutting into the bite area or trying to suck out venom. Even tourniquets should be avoided, specialists say. Do not apply ice to the bite area or administer your own alcohol or drugs in an attempt at first aid.
Don’t forget about your pets
Pets are sometimes bitten by rattlesnakes. "Cats, by behavior, tend to hide out after an injury. Despite this, many survive," said Keith Boesen, director of Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center.
"Although many large dogs do well with no veterinary care, it is recommended that any pet be taken to an emergency veterinary clinic if bitten," he said.
Some local kennels offer “snake avoidance†training for dogs, which may help.Â
A reminder about some species of rattlesnake
Several species of rattlesnake are protected under state laws in the southwestern United States due to their limited numbers. It is illegal to collect or harm these protected rattlesnakes like the ridge-nosed rattlesnake, the state reptile.
The snake bites occurred while a woman was walking her dog and during a man's round of golf in Green Valley, officials said.
With warm weather upon Tucson, venomous critters such as rattlesnakes and scorpions are more active.
It's officially snake season in Southern Arizona.Â
Initial reports said dogs, chickens, a ferret, potbelly pigs and a snake were living at the residence.
The funds will continue the center's goal to help more pets find new homes.
The department was able to determine the animal was shot and killed last week.
Pet owners have just under three weeks to get their pet microchipped for free.
Arizona Game and Fish Department is alerting people planning their upcoming holiday on Mount Lemmon.
Planned work at Agua Caliente Park's main pond includes installing a liner.
With monsoon rains in Tucson, you may be seeing these desert lizards out and about (or event taking a dip in your pool!)Â
Thunderstorm chances increase during the weekend.
A storm system coming from California is bring winds today and rain tonight.
Central Pet Tucson is one of several Tucson locations where rattlesnake safety trainings are available for dogs and their owners.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has started to receive its first confirmed reports of bear sightings this year as the weather gets warmer.