Rattlesnake Bites...Be Careful as Snakes are Waking Up

Rattlesnake Bites...Be Careful as Snakes are Waking Up

Snakes are found throughout the world and snake bites are extremely common. Typically the most common and dangerous in the U.S. are the rattlesnakes which can cause severe tissue problems and sometimes death.

The weather is warming up and rattlesnakes are waking up and creeping around so beware. In San Bernardino Count, the rattlers of San Gorgonio Pass emerge from hibernation; authorities are dealing with frequent medical emergencies when the venomous snakes and people fail to keep away from one another.

The California Poison Control Center records about 800 bites each year statewide, with one to two deaths, according to Dept. of Fish and Game.

Locally, San Bernardino & Riverside County, CA, bite victims are treated with medical care with anti-venom serum in the emergency room at Loma Linda University Medical Center, where Dr. Sean Bush, an Envenomation specialist, has worked since 1992. Dr. Bush is also kindly nicknamed “The Snake Doctor”. Dr. Bush is also a regular on “The Animal Planet”.

A snake bite can cause nerve and tissue damage and blood-clotting problems. Bush treats dozens of Inland residents each year from spring to fall, from the time the snakes awaken from their winter hibernation until they return underground for another winter.

The National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that in warm weather rattlesnakes are also active at night, when they hunt and eat rodents, other reptiles, and insects.

The Loma Linda emergency room doctor's advice "To avoid snakebites, leave snakes alone," Bush advises on the Loma Linda Hospital website. "Don't handle or try to kill a rattlesnake. That's how many people get bitten."

Fangs can still inject venom even after a snake is believed to be dead, Bush says. Snakes that were presumed to be dead have killed people. If you see a snake in the wild, maintain a distance of at least six feet.

**Snakes are one of the scariest animals on earth and they truly are dangerous, killing over 100,000 people worldwide each year. This is many more people than die from all other animal attacks combined. "Look but don't touch," Bush advises. "Snakes are amazing creatures that deserve our respect."

Places to Look: Authorities advise to stay vigilant if you don’t want to be bitten? Rattlesnakes don't always rattle a warning. Don't wear shorts and sandals when hiking or walking in snake territory. Rattlesnakes linger in tall grass, near woodpiles, around rocks, under garden shrubs, against a house foundation. They like to find a cool, shady place in the summer heat. Keep your eyes and ears open when gardening in your yard also. Make sure to check out your garages, porches, under shady cool bushes or trees and keep vents closed from outside or covered with heavy mesh.

Winter rains of 2012 are a clue we will have a snake boom this summer. Animal control officers consider rattlesnake incidents to be priority, public-safety calls. They use snake tongs and long sticks with loops to remove a snake. Don’t touch a rattlesnake, and keep a safe distance if you come across one in your travels.

If you find a rattlesnake, call 9-1-1 and they will dispatch an Animal Control Officer to remove the snake safely.

This week: Unfortunately a toddler was bitten in the family garage while waiting for his dad to come home here in So Cal. He was rushed to their local hospital and then flown by helicopter to Loma Linda University Medical Center where Dr. Bush met them and treated the child who is now home and doing fine. But it was a real scare for the family and extremely painful for the toddler. Luckily they had Dr. Bush to treat the child within the critical time period. These situations do not always end as well. To read this story, click here.

***If you do get bitten, don't attempt first-aid or tourniquets. Do keep the bitten area below the heart, remove all rings and watches that might constrict swelling, and get to a hospital emergency room quickly. “Stay Calm” and call 9-1-1 ASAP.

Watch the video of Dr. Bush who is kindly nicknamed “the snake doctor”.

Kristin Hamilton  DRE #014092138 Keller Williams Realty -I sell real estate in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties commonly called the Inland Empire. I am a trained and experienced Short Sale agent. If you are looking for a professional and experienced agent, I am just a click away. Google me at Kristin Hamilton-Real Estate Agent. Homeowners and Buyers both will find my services top notch and successful. Call me to sell your home; both traditional and short sales.

California is a dream come true state no matter what your needs or wants are. We have year round warm weather, beautiful beaches, rustic mountains and desert communities. If you are looking for a home in southern California, please contact me. I am a local California Realtor, live in the Inland Empire community and aware of the local market. I am here to help you find a home or to sell the home you currently own. California has great opportunities to view Nature and Bird Watching. Whatever your needs are, you will find it here in California! From the Inland Empire you are 45 minutes to the beaches, mountains or desert. Housing is affordable in the Inland Empire area!

Subscribe to my blog; “Kristin’s Inland Empire Blog- www.kristinhamiltonblog.com.

If you want to sell your home, call Kristin @909-557-6966 or email me at kristinhamilton@kw.com.