KVOA (Tucson, Arizona) 17 September 08 Unusual amount of snake sightings (Tyler Wing)

Firefighters in Pima County are dealing with an abundance of rattlesnake sightings. Capt. Adam Goldberg with the Northwest Fire District says the last 24 hours have been unusually busy.

"We had 23 requests for services to remove rattlesnakes," says Goldberg.

According to Goldberg, it is also odd for rattlesnakes to bite people this time of year, but one person was bit at the end of August and another in early September.

Reptile expert Stephane Poulin says most September rattlesnake sightings will happen during the cooler evenings when mother snakes tend to their young. On the other hand, Poulin says always be on the lookout for rattlesnakes any time of year.

"This is the time of year female rattlesnakes are going to give birth. Rattlesnakes don't care about time of the day. They care about temperature," says Poulin.

Poulin says the chances are higher of getting bit by a rattlesnake in your yard than it is hiking out in the desert.

"We're more apt to see them as we step out our front door or go out to our back patio to enjoy the evening weather," says Poulin.

To prevent getting bit, Goldberg says leave the snake alone. "If you decide to take matters into your own hands, that's when those bites occur."

He says using a flashlight at night will help you avoid getting bit by a snake, "We need to be able to see them as best as possible and as early as possible."

"Time equals tissue. The longer you wait the more tissue damage the worse the bite is," Goldberg says.

If you do get bit, experts say the clock is ticking to get to the hospital. They advise not to cut the wound open, suck out the venom or apply ice. While waiting for treatment they say keep the bite elevated above the heart, and call 911 immediately.

In Tucson you always have to be on the lookout for snakes says Goldberg, "In Arizona, rattlesnake season starts on Jan 1st and ends on December 31st. Any other time you're safe."
Unusual amount of snake sightings

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