Outdoor tips for avoiding snakes from Valley experts
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Warm weather has plenty of people spending their free time outdoors, but would you know what to do if you encountered a rattle snake?
Spring is when the outdoors seem most inviting. Hikers can enjoy mild temperatures, the green scenery, but flowers in bloom aren't the only thing to make an early appearance.
"The mountains are very lush meaning there are lots of rodents," said Rais Vohra with the California Poison Control System. "And when there are lots of rodents there are more snakes."
Rattlesnakes are hatching almost a month ahead of schedule.
"If you're out hiking or spending time in the native habitats, make sure you're staying to well-marked trails make sure you're wearing high boots long pants," Mark Halvorsen with the Fresno Chaffee Zoo said.
To promote poison prevention week, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo teamed up with California Poison Control to educate Central Valley residents on the dangers outdoors.
"They're not living in our backyard," Vohra said. "We're living in theirs."
And what to do if you come face to face with a snake?
"I'm gonna go and tell my mom," 3-year-old Maisy said.
"I would go tell my mom and get out of my house and get away from it," Aubrey,8, added.
They've got the right idea.
"Don't pester the snakes," Vohra said. "Don't pick them up try to back away slowly."
But not every snake encounter is like what you see in the movies. Rattlesnakes don't always rattle before they bite and as for what to do if you do get a snake bite.
"We suggest you walk to a place of safety," Vohra said. "It's a common myth that you shouldn't move because that's going to pump venom to the heart."
If you can't walk, call poison control.
"Do not use a tourniquet on a rattlesnake bite," Vohra said. "Another one is to cut on or suck on the wound you see that in movies all the time and that's not advisable."
Applying ice or creams won't help either, the only medication that will help is anti-venom thats at your local hospital.
