I haven’t seen any slithery creatures this year because I usually hike early in the morning but my wife reports there were at least two snake sightings on Badger Mountain the other day. Most snakes are non-venomous but rattlesnakes with poisonous fangs are out there too.
Local Rattlesnake
Safety measures for hiking in snake country:
- Hike during the cooler part of the day, early morning is best, snakes come out in the heat.
- Leave snakes alone, give them space (at least 6 feet). If you get too close, take large steps away quickly.
- Use a hiking pole or poles so you can “redirect” snakes if you MUST
- Wear high-top, sturdy hiking footwear, there are also special chaps and gators that protect your legs even higher
- Stay on trails so you can see a clear path, snakes love to lay in tall grass and brush
- Leave your dog at home, they tend to wander off the trail into the brush where snakes may be hiding.
What if I get a snakebite?
- Number one is stay calm. Getting worked up increases your heartrate and circulates the venom. Call 9-1-1 right away for rapid transport but don’t start running!
- Keep the affected extremity elevated.
- Remove jewelry and restrictive clothing
- Do not try to catch the snake or suction out venom
- Do not apply hot or cold packs
Experts say, of the 45,000 snake bites in the U.S. each year, only about 8,000 are poisonous. It is difficult to identify whether a bite is venomous so prompt medical attention is recommended for any snakebite.
If you take these precautions, the chances you’ll get a snakebite are very remote. Common sense is always a good bet but don’t let a fear of these slithery creatures keep you from enjoying our beautiful local trails.
Hike smart and you will be hiking safe!
I just found your site while Googling rattlesnakes and I must say as a Tri-City native I have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of your site. You sir deserve an award! It’s so nice having all of this info so well organized and all in one place. Thank you for building and maintaining such a useful site.
Thank you for the kind words. Please help spread the word about hiketricities.com
Have you seen many rattlesnakes around the Tri-Cities?
Good evening, Paul. I have spread the word to many of my fellow outdoor buddies and will continue to do so. I consider myself fairly lucky when it comes to rattlesnakes, I usually only have about 1 encounter per year and they always simply make me aware of their presence with a long steady rattle, then we calmly go our separate directions. My most recent encounter was out at Ringold by the siren tower. Before that was just below the false summit on the north side of Badger. I’m sure there are many more I’ve passed and just not known it.
Eric, Thanks so much for being an ambassador! It is snake season so step carefully! It has been a while since I’ve seen a rattler, probably because I usually hike early in the morning, before the heat. This siren tower at Ringold, is there a good hike there? Can you give me directions or coordinates? I’d like to add it to the hikes on hiketricities if it is worthwhile. Thanks so much!
Hi Paul, I came across your site while looking for a site for the tri-cities wild life. I’m into photography and was planning to do a shot at night of the milkyway however that entails walking to the nearby hill to avoid ambient light. Would you know where I could look for resources on the the local wild life. Your article definitely has given me valuable info on the local rattlesnake.
Edson,
Check out the following hikes in the 40+hikes menu tab:
Amon Creek – jackrabbits galore, I saw coyotes and lizards too, birdlife, ducks, etc.
McNary Wildlife Refuge – A great wetlands area with lots of migratory birds.
Enjoy! Please tell me, what is your favorite part of hiketricities.com?