Re: [Leica] Re:rattlesnakes

["Roland Smith" <roland@dnai.com>]

Hello Thomas:

I am curious about your statement that most snake bites don't result in the
transfer of venom.   Is this a reliable fact?  Is this related to all
rattlesnakes?

Roland Smith
- ----- Original Message -----
From: Thomas Herbert <iphoto@elp.rr.com>
To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2000 2:13 PM
Subject: [Leica] Re:rattlesnakes


> After having photographed these snakes for years I will give you what I
> know.
>
> These snakes will always try to avoid you whenever possible, but if
cornered
> will strike.
>
> A 200 or 300 mm lens is good, I use an extension tube to increase my
ability
> to focus close-up.
>
> A gun will do you no good until after the fact (if you are bitten). If you
> are not a snake expert then actually killing and taking the snake with you
> to the hospital will help identify the proper species and thus the correct
> anti-venom.
>
> Many people are very allergic to the anti-venom which is made from horse
> serum, so they will test you for allergy before giving you any if you are
> bitten. If you are allergic then you have a problem. Although most snake
> bites don't result in the transfer of venom you can still get an infection
> from the puncture wounds.
>
> Maintaining at least five feet from the snake will probably keep you safe.
> Snakes can typically strike to a distance of half the length of their body
> and I haven't seen many rattlers over five feet long.
>
> Have a safety person with you with a long stick to control or handle
snakes
> that get to close.
>
> That's it
>
> Thomas Herbert, Photojournalist
> (915) 546-2342
> (915) 485-3018 pager
> (559) 677-8961 fax
> iphoto@elp.rr.com
>
>
>