Beware the snakes are out and about
For those of you in or coming to the southwest a cautionary reminder about our rattlesnake population. Spring has sprung as we are on our second straight week of mid to high 80 degree temps. The snakes have been denned up all winter and with the warmer weather they are very active and aggressive.
In short they are all out looking for a meal and a mate, not necessarily in that order and being hungry and horny does nothing to improve their already nasty dispositions. I spent five years working on the local golf courses as a Marshall and every spring it was the same. You are likely to encounter them at any time of day or night, never walk anywhere at night without a good flashlight. This time of year if you see a rattlesnake I can almost guarantee you there is another nearby and it is the one you don't see that can really ruin your day. This is the only time of year I ever had one actually come after me... probably because I was trying to move a potential mate and they are a lot quicker than you might think. :E
Be especially cautious with your pets as well. The anti venom is unbelievably expensive for people or pets and not every medical insurance plan covers it. The basic rule is simply to never, and I mean NEVER, put your hands or feet where you cannot see. Keep in mind that the natural camouflage of the rattlesnake is unbelievably effective and no they don't always rattle a warning. Be safe out there! :C
In short they are all out looking for a meal and a mate, not necessarily in that order and being hungry and horny does nothing to improve their already nasty dispositions. I spent five years working on the local golf courses as a Marshall and every spring it was the same. You are likely to encounter them at any time of day or night, never walk anywhere at night without a good flashlight. This time of year if you see a rattlesnake I can almost guarantee you there is another nearby and it is the one you don't see that can really ruin your day. This is the only time of year I ever had one actually come after me... probably because I was trying to move a potential mate and they are a lot quicker than you might think. :E
Be especially cautious with your pets as well. The anti venom is unbelievably expensive for people or pets and not every medical insurance plan covers it. The basic rule is simply to never, and I mean NEVER, put your hands or feet where you cannot see. Keep in mind that the natural camouflage of the rattlesnake is unbelievably effective and no they don't always rattle a warning. Be safe out there! :C
