Snakes and more snakes.

[Kim]

Hi! They call me snake magnet. That is because wherever I go I encounter rattlesnakes. I have been hiking in Az for about 10 years. It was about four years ago that I became the snake magnet. I thought I was all tough and headed to Hot Springs Canyon for a three day solo. I arrived at the trailhead around four and started hiking in. I didn't have my topo, but knew that after about two or three miles of hiking that I would come to the confluence with Bass creek, where the water becomes perennial. I had been hiking at a pretty good clip for about an hour when I realized that I should had been there by now. It was also about that time that thunder clouds started rolling in and the stupity of what I was doing hit. So I decided to turn around and hopefully make it back to the truck before dark.

Within ninety seconds of this decision I encountered my first rattler ever. He pretty much just hissed and rattled then slithered off. But now I was on super alert, for all the good it did. I was so busy looking around that it wasn't until I heard him hiss at me I was less than six inches from a coiled angry diamondback.

Now, let me set this up for you...

Middle of nowhere, snake behind me, snake in front of me, narrow canyon, hundred foot cliif on my right, twenty foot bench on the left, totally overgrown with another, yes, another snake coiled on top.

To make a long story short, I got out but not before I encountered two more rattlers.

I did not hike for the next six months. I couldn't even pee alongside a dirt road without losing it.

Right about the time I finally started to feel comfortable hiking again, the whole scene damn near repeated itself. The only difference was that I had people ten minutes behind me.

Went to the Black River this weekend and the third snake I encountered fulfilled all my snake fears that were compiled over a life time. Saw two more after that.

Am I the only one with this problem? Yes, I am so careful. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated...

[Snick33]

Check your pockets for magnets. We used to tell the kids that the reason cows all stand facing the same direction was because of cow magnets.

The cow magnet story, and telling my son that if he didn't stop playing with his navel his legs would fall off, will keep them in therapy until their mid 30's, I'm sure.

Actually I think we experienced the same thing after our first rattler encounter. It was as if we were tuned into rattle snakes and the encounters we didn't realize we had missed before we became acutely aware of after our 1st experience.

[olesma]

Well, I would say you had the bad luck of running into a nest of the rattlers. It tends to happen around breeding time - the snakes will sort of gather and not really congregate, but they do tend to overpopulate an area. I've run into one once - saw about 6 in a space of 20 yards or so, but then I got past it and didn't see another one for some time.

I am the exact opposite. I can count the number or rattler encounters I have had on both hands. I almost never see them. I kind of wish I did, I love seeing them and love studying them. I also respect them.

There isn't much you can do to avoid them though. Well traveled trails can have a snake stumble on them, but certainly your more remote areas have a better chance. It is also nearly impossible to warn snakes that you are comming, since their senses are limited to a very small sphere around them. Just keep your eyes open and remember the cardinal rule of hiking:

Never put your hands or feet somewhere where you can't see them.

[Mike]

Snick makes a good point, I think we do go on higher alert after a snake encounter and that may affect the frequency with which we notice snakes. In the 13 years I've been hiking in Arizona, I've probably seen less than 10 snakes, total. Only two of those were rattlers, but those two rattlers were only a few months apart. I think most of us would be shocked if we knew the actual number of buzzworms we've been within feet of, heck... inches of, while hiking.

None of the visual snake encounters I've had have been any big deal. But, last year, I had a non-visual encounter that still gives me the willies. I was hiking the Woodchute trail near Jerome, and went off trail a short ways to the edge of cattle tank. As I jumped over a small gully, I heard this odd sound. It didn't sound like a d'back or the blacktail I saw on the West Boulder trail. It sounded almost like a woodpecker. So I thought nothing of it. I took a couple of photos, then turned around to go back to the trail. As I jumped over the gully again, I heard the same sound, only louder. I have never moved so fast as I did at that moment in my life. I think I covered about 30 yards in less than 1/100 of a second, most of it in the air! I looked all over, from a safe distance of course, but never spotted the source of the noise. I knew the second time that it was a rattler, but didn't know what kind. When I described it to Randy, who was with me that day, he said it was most likely a mohave. GULP! Like I said, to this day, when I think about that experience, I get the creeps!! 8O

Olesma is right on about the cardinal rule. A rattler has no interest in biting you for sport. We are not rattler food. The only reason a rattler would ever bite a human would be self-defense. Putting a hand or foot in a space where a rattler may be hiding, is reason enough to give the snake the idea that it's suddenly become prey, and it will likely strike at the "predator", especially if there is no escape route for it to take. I have always heard that a rattler has two points of view with regard to other creatures. 1 - You're smaller than me, therefore, you're food. 2 - You're bigger than me, therefore, I'm food!! In instance 2, all it wants to do is get away from you. If it can't do that, it has no other option but to strike.

[joebartels]

Hi Kim, Welcom to HAZ!

I've had four or five very close calls. I'm begging to loose count.

The first time, alone, was definitely the scarriest. I went off trail, yes trying to shortcut, I know bad joe, Picketpost Mtn. I stepped close to a bush and the noise emitted was SO loud. I jumped ten feet backwards and swore I'd never hike again. Well, I let the shakes calm down and I continued on.

Last August on a nighthike after a rain in August was the worst concentration. They were everywhere.

But I gotta say, I've been using trekking poles since last October and I "feel" more secure. I've encountered three or four with the trekking poles. Only one real close, at the head of Millsite Canyon. Let me tell ya, the trekking poles would have done no good if I took a wrong step there, but I still "feel" safer with them. I must be getting old
I think Neal put that thought in my head, so when I get bit WITH trekking poles I'm calling Mr Z to come pick me up off the trail

[ck_1]

I feel the same way Joe! When I use the poles, I feel like I have some type of defense against the buggers. I even took it with on the ridgeline the other day, knowing I would not need it for the hiking, but rather would prefer to have it on the flats in case of an encounter. - odd sense of security...can't you see me fighting back snakes with my trek'r 3!

I've seen about a half dozen in the past 2 years. All but one encounter was at Usery Park. All the encounters were on well traveled, popular trails.

Kim - call Animal Planet or Discovery Channel...you could give the Croccodile Hunter a run for his money...

[Mike]

Kim - call Animal Planet or Discovery Channel...you could give the Croccodile Hunter a run for his money...

Just don't go grabbing them by the tail like he does! By Cracky, he's nuts!! (I love that show!! )

I'm with teva & ck1 on the trekking poles issue. I carry mine more as a snake stick than anything else. More often than not, I have mine resting on my shoulder like an army rifle, rather than in actual use. But, I like the extra feeling of security it gives me in case I do run up on a buzzworm.

[Randy]

Yup, Mike vaulted over that stump so high, he looked like Yoda taking on Count Dookoo-except without the light saber. Come to think of it, Mike does Yoda somewhat resemble.

(Yeah, and I look like Jabba- beat you to it... )

In over thirty years of hiking in Arizona, I've seen about five buzzworms on the trail. Only one was a problem, and that was because I stepped in the middle of him while he was crossing the trail hidden in a mess of leaves. His color blended right in with the brown leaves. Fortunately it was very cold that day and he was a tad slow.

Two more were in the space of about five minutes on the Garden Valley-Black Mesa loop, near that Cholla forest on top. They were also off their game as it was about 100 that day and it was about 4pm. One of them was so heat exhausted he crawled over and stuck his head in a bush to hide and left his tail over the trail, he was just too pooped to move any further. He didn't even rattle.

Be thankful that we don't have water mocassins here who are downright anti-social, and don't have a warning system. Or, some of the nasty varieties that my old roomate Alan encountered in Vietnam.

Hopefully, Kim, it was an isolated random accident. My former hiking partner always said that those who consistently have antisocial encounters with our legless friends are receiving warnings that their karma needs adjusting. We're sure this isn't the case with you.

For a newfound perspective on buzzworms, try the deep fried variety with Ranch dressing at Rawhide. -Randy

[DJBrianAZ]

In all my years of hiking in AZ, I've only seen 1 rattler, 1 coral snake and a few other various snakes. I have to emphasize the word "seen" because there have been people that have been hiking behind me and when we meet up for a trail break, I've had some of them say "did you see that rattler on the side of the trail". I must have completely walked past it. 8O I guess the snake feels that sometimes its best if it just stay motionless and quiet and let the big human walk on by.

Speaking of water moccasins, I remember when was 8 years old and living in Virginia, I used to go tromping and playing around the woods and creeks, climbing in storm drains, etc and saw water moccasins all the time. Back then I wasnt afraid of them but did keep my distance from them...nowadays I'd probably scream and climb the tallest tree. Boy if my mom knew the things I used to do, she'd locked me in a closet.

Brian

[Daryl]

A few helpful things to remember about rattle snakes:
They can strike half their length and they don't get much bigger then 6ft long. Thus 3ft away or more and you are safe.
They will not chase you. Younger snakes will avoid you, older snakes will carry on with their planned route, even if it's right through your legs.
If it's rattling, DO NOT MOVE! They have horrible eyesight, but see movement. When they are rattling they are agitated and will strike at anything that moves. Figure out where it is, if it's less then 3ft away, wait until it stops rattling and back away very slowly.
Never try to be faster then the snake, you are probably not. Always try to be smarter then the snake, you probably are.
The only real danger of getting bit (if you don't mess with them) is if you step on one. Even then, you probably won't get bit. If you step on it, they are in a bad position to strike accurately.
If you do get bit, remove clothing and jewelry near the bite (shoes, pant, watch...). If you were injected you will swell up and it will get ugly. If you need to walk out, remove the laces from your shoe.
NEVER CUT & SUCK unless you are a doctor. People have tried this and bleed to death before they got to the doctor. The suction cups in the snake bite kit may help, but throw that little blade away.
NEVER apply ice or a cold pack to the bite. It might be temporary relief, but it makes the blood move faster. Also, try to keep the bit area below your heart to limit the movement of the venom.
If you got bit by a diamondback or sidewinder you have time to get to the doctor. Most bites are dry and harmless, but even if you were injected, you have a good 3 hours (at the least) before serious damage will occur. Always go to the doctor ASAP. You can go days without showing symptoms after a bite.
About 1 in 10 rattlers in AZ are mohave rattle snakes. They are mean and their venom affects your nervous system. A bite from one of these guys will do serious damage and can kill you in minutes. They are nicknamed the "three stepper" and people don't talk much about them.
Last note; if you hike with your dog, get it snake broke. It cost about $50 and takes about 10 minutes and is usually good for life. Basically they use live rattlesnakes and a shock collar. Some people think this is inhumane and mean. I think it will save your dog's life and possibly yours. The dog learns to be afraid of even the smell of a snake. You will know when your dog is near a snake.

Happy hiking

[Snick33]

In all my years of hiking in AZ, I've only seen 1 rattler, 1 coral snake and a few other various snakes. I have to

Wow that's really rate to see a coral snake in Arizona. We have seen sonoran king snakes and Mountain snakes that resemble coral snakes but never the real thing. Where did you see it????

[ck_1]

Good info Daryl!...you might consider posting your comments in the Article section where there is an article on snake encounters...all good info is appreciated!

http://hikearizona.com/haz/articles/art ... Encounters

[Daryl]

I've seen 2 coral snakes in AZ. One on south mountain and a dead one near the verde hot springs.

A little trivia, they are very deadly venom wise, but almost harmless. They don't get much larger then a pencil so their mouth is not big enough to bite you.

[Snick33]

Great info and snake trivia Daryll. I agree with CK that the information would look great in the Article section.

Thanks

[Nighthiker]

I usually observe coral snakes around the San Tans and the Picacho's Mts. As for rattlesnakes I observe them quite frequently along with other wildlife and try to enjoy the encounter. My close calls have been the result of not paying attention.

[GTG_AZH]

Well I finally saw a rattlesnake while hiking. I used to see them all the time when we would hunt them at night fifteen years ago. I was in Squaw Peak Park on Trail 200 just as the sun went down and I spooked this little, broken-buzzer fellow off the trail.
http://hikearizona.com/~gtg/wildlife/smallrattler.jpg

He Promptly slid under a nearby palo verde and coiled up to wait for a meal. He was very skinny for his length. Probably due to our drought.

Thanks,
GTG

[joebartels]

The only real danger of getting bit (if you don't mess with them) is if you step on one. Even then, you probably won't get bit. If you step on it, they are in a bad position to strike accurately.

I can attest to this. On that night hike in the Superstitions I stepped on one slithering off the the trail. I didn't see it all. My buddy behind me with the light screamed bloody murder. He's a die hard Marine, so I jumped about fifteen feet, but I didn't know why! I turned around and said "what's up" He was all flabbergasted and yelped out "dude, you just stepped on a snake"
I was like "ya right", but sure enough I had. The imprint was still in the sand.

It was as dark as dard gets so the photos pretty much sucked
http://hikearizona.com/trails/dated/081701/DSC00011.JPG

that's with a spot light, most came out like this
http://hikearizona.com/trails/dated/081701/DSC00024.JPG