What About The Rattlesnake

WHAT ABOUT THE RATTLESNAKE?

By Robin Davis

Is that a tire losing air?  In the middle of the pasture?!?   Maybe a kid’s rattle?  YIKES!!!  OOPS!  None of the above. Sorry, Mr. Rattlesnake, I didn’t mean to scare you.  Let me just gracefully step back while I give you room to move away (and assure you that you probably scared me more than I did you!).

If you’ve done any outdoor activities in relatively unpopulated areas from the foothills to the plains, you may have had this same experience.   This can be a very scary moment, coming foot to face with a rattlesnake.

The instinctual fear that these creatures evoke when we hear them rattle is likely one reason why I would call rattlesnakes one of nature’s most misunderstood creatures.  Rattlesnakes really have no interest in hunting humans, dogs, cats, horses or other large animals.  They have been known to bite these larger mammals, but only in an act of self-defense.  Most humans and pets survive a rattlesnake bite when they receive proper treatment.  The bites that humans receive generally only occur when the snake is being harassed in an attempt to catch or kill it.  So it’s better to step backwards until the snake feels safe enough to retreat.  Which they will do…and with haste.

Since snakes are so low to the ground and well camouflaged, a bite or a strike can occur, seemingly, without warning.  It’s good to be prepared when in snake country by wearing boots and jeans at all times.  Shorts and flip flops just won’t offer any protection.

In general, if a human is bitten, you should keep the bite lower than the heart. Do NOT ice, do NOT attempt to suck out the venom, and do NOT place a tourniquet between the bite and the heart, no matter what you’ve heard.  Get to a hospital immediately.

The same goes for your pet or livestock.   Seek veterinary care immediately.  Here at Mustang Hollow, we have had success with homeopathic remedies, herbs and essential oils with rattlesnake bites on horses.  My sense is that it is a very individualized treatment plan.  Always seek the advice of your holistic veterinarian, homeopath and/or herbalist with this potentially serious issue.

Living in rattlesnake country can pose an interesting challenge for those of us with livestock.  If a horse or other grazing animal grazes close to a bush where a rattlesnake is sleeping, it can startle the snake and a bite can occur.  I have found that allowing grazing at night, rather than mid-day can be helpful:  the horses that have been bitten were grazing during the day; at night the snakes are not as likely to be startled out of slumber by a nose poking at the same bush in which it has chosen to take refuge.

For those interested, there are rattlesnake vaccines available.  Dogs and horses, and maybe even cats can receive this vaccine.  Be sure to do your research around this vaccine (as with all vaccines) if you are inclined to go this route.

Dr. Landes with EMS Veterinary Service took part in the field test of the equine vaccine.  I’m sure he would be delighted to answer any questions a horse owner might have.

Rattlesnakes are an important part of the ecosystem.  They help keep the rodent population in check.  If we seek the correct relationship with all of the species of the earth, a better balance can be maintained and not be feared.  When we stand and complain about the number of prairie dogs and mice while at the same time participate in active warfare against the rattlesnake, we are only making the rodent population worse.

When we go to war against any species that we view as a ‘nuisance’ or a ‘pest’ we can cause an unexpected domino effect.  One example of this close to the hearts of many in our community is the tale of the black-footed ferret.  Wellington is situated very close to the Prairie Wildlife Research Facility, where passionate people are working diligently to make sure that this species does not disappear.  The black footed ferret’s tenuous existence is a result of the war against the prairie dog, their main diet.

I know it’s sometimes difficult to love all of the species of  Earth and seeing the beauty in a snake can be almost impossible for many humans.  But I encourage you to at least recognize that the rattlesnake is also one of God’s creations.  It can be a little frightening to know that you live in or recreate in a rattlesnake prone area, but a little compassion flavored with a precautionary awareness can go a long way in keeping you, your children, your pets, your livestock – and the snake –safe.

Robin Davis is owner of Mustang Hollow whose mission is to, with the help of horses, promote self-awareness, create relationships with nature, and teach about sustainability and natural ways of living.  For more information see www.MustangHollow.com.