SNAKE!

A little over a month ago, my friend, Monica, and I were on the trails behind my house in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.  Heading home from a hilly 6 mile run we were hot and tired.  On the last mile stretch however, I found renewed energy as I tried to throw my good friend off of a cliff to save myself from a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake.  Beware, ladies and gents, when it comes to my life over yours, I will toss you overboard! 

Monica was right on my heals focusing on my footfall when I jumped backward at the sight of a 4 foot rattlesnake.  I couldn't say anything but, "SNAKE! SNAKE! SNAKE!"  I was literally inches away from the serpent.  She didn't understand what I was talking about and wasn't moving out of the way so I turned towards her and began pushing her backward as hard as I could.  "SNAKE! MOOOOOVE! SNAKE!"  Once Monica moved far enough back, I glanced back to the spot where the confrontation began.

"What is wrong! Jen, what happened?"

"RATTLESNAKE!"

"Okay, seriously, how do you know it wasn't just some snake?  It could be a bull snake.  We have those around here right?"

"Yes, we have those.  But I know that was a rattler.  It had the hoods over it eyes, the sharper nose.  I used to have bull snakes mate in my back yard every spring.  Trust me.  That was no bull."

Bull Snake

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

From the other side of the trail another woman came running towards us.  "STOP! Stop, snake!"  She couldn't hear a word I said because her music was turned up so loud.  It took until she was almost right up to us for her to finally understand what I was screaming.

After waiting about 5 minutes for the rattler to move away from the trail, we ran home.  Well, in truth, I sprinted.

In a nutshell... from www.ag.purdue.edu

Since then, I have had three other rattlesnake encounters.  Two in one day.  That's left me thinking, is the trail really worth it?  Today, I only ran 1 mile on the trails and spent the other 3.75 on paved trails around my house.  Sure it was relaxing not having to worry about needle sharp teeth grazing my ankles.  And I even pumped my music on high for the first time in months, but I felt bored.  The views were lacking, and the adrenaline was weak.  We chose our new house because of the trails.  And now I am going to avoid them until the snakes return to hibernation?  I don't think so.

Instead of letting fear dictate my next few summer filled months, I decided a little research was in order.  Surprisingly, what I found soothed my fears.  I will number my findings in the order I found it most helpful.  Running makes us a little oxygen deprived and the key points should definitely stick out in time of need...

1. If you are bitten, don't put a tourniquet on the wound. Stay calm (yeah right), and try to keep your heart rate low.  It will decrease the rate in which the venom moves through your blood.  Remove any restricting jewelery (yes runners, that includes GPS watches).  Also, not all bites are venomous.  In fact, 20% of all rattlesnake bites are simple warning bites.  Get help either way!

2. Step ON rocks and logs, never over them unless you can see the other side.  Rattlesnakes don't like to be in the open.  They hang out around places they can hide easily.

3. Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes do NOT always use their rattles to warn of their existence.

4. Always carry a cell phone when running.  If you can get help within 2-6 hours, you will be okay. 

5. Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes are NOT inherently aggressive.  If you leave them alone, they will leave you alone.  Most bites are to dogs and according to the Colorado Department of Fish and Wildlife, 85% of bites nationally are delivered to drunk humans wandering off trails.  (I feel safer already!)

6. NEVER run on trails with both ear phones in your ears.  (This is probably a good suggestion across the board, but let's stay focused!)  Two days ago, I encountered 2 rattlesnakes, one deer, one coyote, numerous zooming bikers, and one horned lizard within 6 miles.  I heed this advice strictly.  I don't like things sneaking up on me, whether it be a human or Bambi. 

7. Don't handle a freshly killed snake.  They can inject venom for up to an hour after death.  (Now that's fascinating!)

8. Rattlesnakes enjoy the summer evenings the best.  The sustainable temperature for this coldblooded animal is between 70-90 degrees.  Therefore, they hunt and are most active during these temperatures.  This doesn't mean you are safer to run in the mornings (ALL of my encounters were between 7-9:30 am), it just means watch even more carefully in the evening hours.

9. If you see one, MOVE OUT OF THE WAY!  A snake can strike one and a half times its length when coiled.  15 feet is a safe distance according to the California Division of Fish and Wildlife.

I know I am going to have some wicked snake dreams tonight, but it is always better to be informed than fearful.  I fully respect wildlife and understand every animal has its purpose.  And part of that respect, is avoiding confrontation.

Any other advice you have I would love to hear!

Here are a few helpful links if you want more information:

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/natres/06501.html

http://www.crgov.com/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1239
http://parks.state.co.us/SiteCollectionImages/parks/Programs/ParksResourceStewardship/Rattlesnake%20Management%20Prescription.pdf