Editorial

Poisonous reptiles unwelcome outdoor companion

Monday, March 31, 2008

It's time to get outdoors again, whether hunting turkeys or edible mushrooms, but don't forget about what else may be waiting for you in the wild.

Just ask Norm LiaKos of Curtis, who suffered a snakebite a few years ago, and shared his experience at a farm safety workshop last week at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis.

We probably won't encounter any snakes today, with snow reported in the area, but those balmy spring days that both man and rattlesnake enjoy can't be far away.

James W. Grier of North Dakota State University developed a "2-3-4" guideline for snakebites: two points for reducing the chance of being bitten, three things to do if you are bit, and four things that should not be done.

The "two" to avoid snakebite:

* Never handle or meddle with a poisonous snake. Nearly a third of bites reported in the United States were by captive snakes.

* Always be alert, cautious and prepared when you're in an area with poisonous snakes. Wear high boots and loose trousers, watch where you're putting your hands and feet, be careful where you sit and gather firewood before dark. Snakes, which are cold-blooded, will be in a sunny spot on a cool day, and in the shade on a hot day.

The "three" to do in case of poisonous snakebite:

* Stay calm

* Get to a hospital or physician as quickly and safely as possible. If you are alone, walk slowly and calmly to a vehicle, stopping and resting if need be. Call ahead if possible to alert the hospital. Don't worry about killing the snake; someone else might get bitten, and poisonous snakes leave obvious fang marks and swelling at the site.

* If the hospital is unfamiliar with snakebite, have them call the Nebraska Regional Poison Center at (800) 222-1222.

The four things NOT to do in case of a poisonous snakebite:

* Do not give alcoholic beverages -- alcohol is often already involved in snakebites, and adding it may increase the circulation and distribute the poison farther.

* Do not cool the bitten area. Although it was recommended for a few years by some experts, it led to other complications.

* Do not use a tourniquet, which may lead to unnecessary amputations.

* Do not cut into the bitten area. The old incision-andsuction method is not longer generally recommended for most cases of snakebite, although there is some difference of opinion in the matter. Unless it is done by someone with formal training and proper equipment and is initiated immediately (within 5 minutes), it is ineffective and can be worse than the bite itself.

So, what should you do if you see a snake? If it's near your home or somewhere else where it's an immediate danger, it's certainly justifiable to kill it, according to the guidelines.

If it's far in the wild, however, consider leaving it alone. Even poisonous snakes have a role in nature -- killing and eating rats, mice, gophers, young prairie dogs and other animals that are considered pests.

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