Herping in Rattlesnake territory

[GarterGeek]

I have a problem; I know of some very lovely, crumbling rock-walls that I would love to dig into in my search for a milksnake, but I have seen several very large timber rattlesnakes on those same walls...

I don't know what to do! The rock walls are on the edge of a field so there is a lot of tall-grass around them, and I am concerned that I may not see the rattlers until too late. I'm also worried about flipping rocks and being within striking range.

I'm prepared with some techniques: I have thick hiking boots, and shin-guards. I walk with a stick ( a shovel handle) which I swing low to the ground in front of me. I also try to use the stick to flip over rocks from a distance, but it it isn't strong enough to flip some of the larger rocks.

What other precautions can I take? What do you do when herping in venomous-snake territory? Is the situation just too risky?

Thank you!

[Stefan-A]

"Be careful" is probably not very helpful, but that pretty much sums it up. Most snakebites are to the lower legs and to the hands, so watch your step and look twice before picking something up. And take a cell phone with you.

[mustang]

get some of those leg guards hunters wear (they cover legs you can find em at academy
) around here timber rattlers are endangered...personally i wouldnt do it tho

[redspot]

Check out fieldherpforum.com.

I don't know where you live but always be careful when disturbing rocks that herps use. Timber rattlesnakes are VERY selective on where they hibernate, bask, produce young etc, even small changes can alter the lively hood of that locality of snakes.

[bkhuff1s]

If it's to big a rock, I wouldn't flip it, just to be on the safe side. It's true that perfect milk snake could be under it, but so could that rattlesnake that bites you and makes your hand fall off (not exactly sure what their venom does).

[guidofatherof5]

If it's to big a rock, I wouldn't flip it, just to be on the safe side. It's true that perfect milk snake could be under it, but so could that rattlesnake that bites you and makes your hand fall off (not exactly sure what their venom does).

Toxicity(Taken from Wikipedia)
Most species of rattlesnakes have hemotoxic venom, destroying tissue, degenerating organs and causing coagulopathy (disrupted blood clotting). Some degree of permanent scarring is very likely in the event of a venomous bite, even with prompt, effective treatment, and a severe envenomation, combined with delayed or ineffective treatment, can lead to the loss of a limb or death. Thus, a rattlesnake bite is always a potentially fatal injury. Untreated rattlesnake bites, especially from larger species, are very often fatal. However, antivenom, when applied in time, reduces the death rate to less than 4%. It is estimated that between 7,000 and 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States each year, and about five of those die.[3] About 72% of those bitten by rattlesnakes are male.[4]
Some rattlesnakes, especially the tropical species, have neurotoxic venom. A bite from these snakes can interfere with or shut down parts of the nervous system. In the U.S. the Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) in Arizona and parts of California has a neurotoxic venom component known as Mojave Type A toxin. The current antivenom, (FDA-approved in October, 2000) known as CroFab, contains antibodies to Mojave A and B toxins as well as the toxins of most other U.S. pit vipers. Mojave A toxin has been identified present in the venoms of other species of rattlesnakes on occasion. Neurotoxins cause neurological symptoms, paralysis and could result in death due to respiratory paralysis. In the U.S., Central and South America there are another group of neurotoxic snakes known as the Coral Snakes, not related to rattlesnakes but more closely related to the cobra family of Africa and Asia. These snakes can also cause death due to respiratory paralysis if not properly treated.
The Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula), a constrictor, is famous for being largely immune to the venom of rattlesnakes and other vipers,[5] and therefore rattlesnakes form part of this snake's natural diet in the wild.

[Mommy2many]

I'd say it's not worth the risk for the milk snake. Just my opinion.

[oki-inu]

A good snake hook can help flip rocks and things, keeps your hands out of the danger zone.

[Odie]

personally i wouldnt do it tho

Just find a safer place

[GarterGeek]

Well, I thought I'd just let everybody know, that I decided not to take the risk. I went to another spot, I didn't see anything, but at least I have all my fingers and toes.

Thank you for all the advice! - It played a significant factor in keeping myself (and those whom I herp with) safe.


Questions about herping for milksnakes:
If I'm flipping boards or digging in rock walls, what time of day is the best to search? I've been going in the middle of the day/toward evening, just because that's most convenient for me. From the research I've done, I think I should be going either at dusk or dawn. Does this correlate with your experiences?