I think this is a reminder to be cautious as one can be and kill EVERY venomous snake you see!
JL's Link
by: Kate Singh, Maggy Wolanske
Posted: Jul 12, 2022 / 10:15 PM MDT
Updated: Jul 13, 2022 / 12:52 PM MDT SHARE
SECURITY-WIDEFIELD, Colo. — A Colorado Springs family is mourning the loss of 6-year-old Simon Currat, after he suffered a rattlesnake bite while out on a trail.
It happened on July 5 in the Blue Stem Prairie Open Space, which is located just south of the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport.
According to a GiveSendGo, set up in support of the family, Currat was with his father and younger sister when he encountered the rattlesnake.
“We received a call for a possible allergic reaction,” said Derek Chambers, battalion chief for the Security Fire Department.
Chambers said a short time later they learned the victim was 6 years old and had received a rattlesnake bite.
“We responded immediately,” he said. “The patient and his father were out riding bikes in the Blue Stem Open Space. They were on a trail.”
Chambers said the boy got off his bike to look at a mile marker sign.
“When he got off of his bike, that’s when he encountered the snake and yelled, ‘rattlesnake.'”
Chambers said the boy’s dad ran to him, grabbed him, and went for help.
According to GiveSendGo, campaign Currat’s father did not have a phone with him and ran to the nearest intersection for help.
The El Paso County Coroner’s Office confirmed Currat was eventually moved to Children’s Hospital in Adams County after the incident.
He died there four days later.
According to GiveSendGo, doctors told Currat’s parents that the swelling in his brain was severe and life-threatening. On July 9 it was found there was no life left in his brain and the decision was made to remove him from life support. On July 10 Currat remained only on a breathing tube and the tube was removed shortly after family and friends said final goodbyes.
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, rattlesnakes are not aggressive but will defend themselves if threatened or provoked. That can sometimes happen accidentally if, for example, a hiker doesn’t see a snake and steps on it.
The campaign on GiveSendGo sends funds and prayers to the Currat family.
JL's Link
If the snake is still in the vicinity, move carefully away to a safe location.
If you can do it safely, it can be helpful to take a photo of the snake for identification. Rattlesnakes are Colorado's only snake that does not have a sharply pointed tail. Instead it has rounded buttons. Also, the head of a rattlesnake is wider than its body, like if you make a fist your hand is wider than your wrist.
Find a place where the victim can lie flat and rest comfortably and encourage the victim to remain calm and offer reassurance.
If in a group, send one member to notify local emergency staff and the nearest hospital. Do not leave the victim alone in order to get help. Carry a cellphone with you while you recreate.
Allow the bite to bleed freely for about 30 seconds and then cleanse and disinfect the bite area with Betadine (iodine) or soap and water.
If hospital treatment is more than 30 minutes away and the bite is on a hand, finger, foot or lower arm or leg, a wide elastic bandage can be used as a pressure dressing.
Wrap the bandage quickly from an area just above the bite past the knee or elbow joint, immobilizing it. Wrap no tighter than for a sprain. The goal is to restrict the movement of venom into the bloodstream without cutting off circulation to the affected limb. Check for pulse above and below bandage and rewrap if too tight.
Apply direct pressure to the bite using a 4x4 gauze pad folded in half twice. Soak the pad in iodine and tape it in place.
Remove all rings, watches, jewelry and tight-fitting clothing as the bite area, as most of the bitten appendage will swell.
Immobilize the bitten extremity as much as possible, using splints if necessary.
Try to keep the bite location even with the heart. Raising it above the heart will increase the spread of venom into the body and swelling will increase if kept below heart level.
After administering first aid, take the victim to the nearest hospital or medical facility. If not done previously, get someone to call ahead to the nearest hospital so that it will be prepared for the victim’s arrival.
What not to do if a person is bitten by a rattlesnake
Do not assume that a bite is not serious or that treatment can be delayed.
Do not apply oral (mouth) suction to the bite. Such action has the potential to introduce harmful bacteria into the wound that could cause sepsis.
Do not make any sort of incision into or around the bite marks. This will only increase trauma to the bite location.
Do not apply a narrow, constrictive tourniquet such as a belt, shoelace or cord. Restricting blood flow in this manner puts the bitten extremity at a high risk for amputation.
Do not engage in strenuous physical activity. This will only speed the spread of venom to vital organs.
Do not apply ice, hot or cold packs to the bite. These have no proven beneficial effects and may compound tissue damage through burns or frostbite.
Do not allow the victim to take aspirin or use any medication.
Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink unless approved by a physician.
Do not remove pressure dressings until antivenom is available.
Do not waste time or take any additional risks attempting to kill or capture the offending snake.
What to do (and not) if your dog is bitten by a rattlesnake
Move a safe distance away from the snake and calm the dog.
Clean the wound with soap and water and treat with antibiotic ointment if available.
A Sawyer or other venom extractor should not be used because the dog’s hair will prevent a good seal from forming.
Limit physical exertion and get the animal to veterinary care immediately, calling ahead if possible.
What to do if you encounter a rattlesnake
Snakes are often heard before they are seen. If you hear a rattlesnake, freeze in place until you or a companion can locate the animal. Attempting to move away from a snake you can’t see may lead you closer to it.
Even if the snake can be seen, not moving will reduce the threat you pose to the snake and help you calmly assess the situation.
Once you assess the situation, establish a safe distance. Rattlesnakes can strike to a distance of half their body length. A good rule of thumb is to put at least 5 feet between yourself and the snake.
Move by slowly backing the way you came.
Do not under any circumstances try and catch, kill, provoke or move a rattlesnake. Fully one-third of people who suffer snakebites were bitten as a result of trying to handle or kill the snake.
Move around the rattlesnake at a safe distance.
How to avoid a rattlesnake bite
Wear sturdy leather boots, which afford good protection for the feet and ankles that are usually in the closest proximity to rattlesnakes and account for nearly all bites.
Watch where you place feet and hands at all times, especially around logs and rocks where rattlesnakes shelter.
Do not recreate with headphones or ear buds as a rattlesnake usually warns if you are too close by making a rattle sound.
Be especially aware of rattlesnakes around dusk, when snakes become active hunting and human visibility drops.
If the snake coils up and rattles, you are too close and should move away slowly. Stepping back just a few feet can be enough to convince the snake that you are not a threat. Most rattlesnakes will not strike at people unless they feel threatened or are deliberately provoked.
WEAR YOUR SNAKEBOOTS GUYS.................it would have saved me a lot of pain and suffering (not to mention $$!)
I remember your story rut nut. Very bad deal! I know for me and I think many others we don't seem to always comprehend how dangerous these things are.
SOme folks question me when I tell them I will shoot a poisonous snake on site now ..................aren't they "Protected in PA?" I say yes...........................and if I am ever confronted by a Forest Ranger or Game Warden for killing one, I will show them the pictures. If they still want to charge me I say go ahead. I will stand before a jury of my peers- no problem! ;-)
Rut Nut I agree, I'll use your pics and story in my own defense and not have any problem I don't believe.
I think Pop-r is a world class sissy. He probably thinks all insects should be eradicated too.
Matt
My son and I hunt in area where there a lot of snakes. We've had 3 in 1 day rattle at us that we never saw before they did. This area has no cell service and is a 1hr hike and then a 90min drive to get medical. Have spent some time thinking about it and trying to decide what if anything we could to lessen the risk. The only thing I land on is it's kinda like hunting in grizz country. You understand the risk, try to be mindful and then it is what it is. The world has risks and if you try and avoid them all, you're going to miss out on some of greatest land this country has to offer.
With all that said, I have a pretty solid griiz plan up until one bull rushes me.... Rattlesnakes I have no plan. If you have a lot of experience with them, you know they just appear in front of you when you have no clue they are near. AND they are fully camo!
Damn Rut------> how dang painful
Good luck, Robb
Oh man that is horrible! My son and I hunt in area where there a lot of snakes. We've had 3 in 1 day rattle at us that we never saw before they did. This area has no cell service and is a 1hr hike and then a 90min drive to get medical. Have spent some time thinking about it and trying to decide what if anything we could to lessen the risk. The only thing I land on is it's kinda like hunting in grizz country. You understand the risk, try to be mindful and then it is what it is. The world has risks and if you try and avoid them all, you're going to miss out on some of greatest land this country has to offer.
With all that said, I have a pretty solid griiz plan up until one bull rushes me.... Rattlesnakes I have no plan. If you have a lot of experience with them, you know they just appear in front of you when you have no clue they are near. AND they are fully camo!
That was my scenario Rick. My advice- Snake boots(or gaiters/chaps) AND an Inreach! I thought about buying both several times, but in the end decided not to spend the money for the few times per year I was in snake country. Worst decision I ever made! : (
Kill all the damn snakes you want. It won’t make a lick of difference to the minuscule chances that you’ll get bitten.
Rut Nut, I’m truly sorry for your unfortunate snake encounter, and I understand your animosity towards them. I’d probably feel the same way if I went thru that ordeal.
Matt
I talked to a pipeline worker last year that said they come across them frequently when they are putting in these new pipelines in the Marcellus Shale area of PA(Northern Tier Counties). He said they call a snake handler in whenever they encounter a snake or a den. She is offiliated with Penn State and said they believe the Timber Rattlers in that area are becoming conditioned NOT to rattle now...................especially the ones that get caught during the snake hunts that are bagged and then released back into the wild after the contests. (These hunts or contests are very popular up in that part of PA.) They are apparently more reluctant to rattle after being caught because they don;t want to be caught again..........................................
I often wonder how many I walked by over the years and never saw .................................
Couple years ago I killed a 6 inch long cottonmouth in our driveway. Just gave me chills, as she's always out in crocs or sandals not only in the yard, but the creek and pond and fields, etc.
'Course, if you only see a snake once or twice every few years, it may not interest you. ;-)
Now, with that said, I do not kill every snake I see. I am ambivalent toward many snakes. Rattlesnakes however, especially if they are threatening, I am not ambivalent toward.
