Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi. The other day while out in the field I nearly got bit, I will spare everyone from the long story. I was paying atention to some babby Western Rattlesnakes when from the side in a rock crevice a 2-3' one nailed me on the shoulder. Luck was with me and it didnt get its teeth in me. I think at the most it maybe got my sweater. I did not see it coming. By the time I heard the little buzz it was over before I could even see what happened. My question/s in do they ever strike out without opening there mouth? It felt like somone just hit me in the shoulder, No pain or anything just a big thump. Also I find myself rudly awakened and apear a little afraid to go back out there near those rattlers. Not sure weather its worth the $30,000 medical bill. Any suggestions? Anything liek this ever happen to anyone here? Was it folowed by such a fear? If so how did you work it out? I did have a side arm and came very close to blowing the thing in half after nailing me but just moved away from it, collected my thoughts, packed up and went home. I took it as a hint that they didnt want me there that day. Also myself and an associate spend the day before out there most of the day interacting with the rattlers from new borns to nearly 5 feet. All were not happy to see us but gave no problems. Thanks in advance for the help.

Jason:

We all have close calls, it's just part of what we accept as the risks to associate with these animals. One researcher I know was looking for a Timber RS that had a tracking implant. He knew it was close but could not find it untill he turned around and was literally NOSE TO NOSE with it. It was in the branches in the tree he stopped next to in order to figure out where it was. He too escaped a very serious bite and he still does field research on RS.

With this said, there is also no substitute for extreame care. It's easy to get excited in the field and develop "tunnel vision". You must learn to resist this and quickly survey the surrounding area. As you found out, it's the one you don't see, is the one that will get you. This is true in the Field, Lab, Home, or Zoo, where every you are working with these animals.

Think & learn

Al

-----
If you give somebody a match and they can keep warm for a while.
If you light them on fire, They will be warm for the rest of their life.

Can't help you with your questions but I am glad that you are ok!
-----
Bryan, Atlanta GA

1-0-0 Ball Python - Apep
0-1-0 Mountain Horned Dragon - Ki
0-0-1 Aggressive Bearded Dragon - Zeus
1-1-0 Rats... no wait... ROTTEN Little Cats - Ra, Bastet
0-1-0 Little Angelic Kitten - Isis
1-0-0 Horse... whoops... BIG Golden Retriever - Jake
0-1-0 Wife
2-0-0 Kids

I remember it all like it just happened, funny how stuff like that sticks in your head forever. I did take a very carfull look around the area before I started my work. I even looked in the crevis said snake was in and swear it wasnt there or at least I didnt see it. After I gave the area the all clear I began work. this thing sat there for 20 minutes and just watched me without making a sound before leting itself be known, It must have already lunged at me before it rattled like I said I didnt even have time to say OH $HIT and bam it hiot me. I guess it is posible It ventured into the crevis after I checked it. Some of the crevises out there can go hundreds of feet into the earth so maybe it was just to far back to see. My problem now is like I said the fear. Everytime IO think about going back out there I get the willies and all my hair stands up. My wife says that maybe quiting is a good idea and at this point I almost agree with her. I have a 2yo boy at home that I need to think about and I am sure he would rather have dad home playing with truck than out chasing snakes. The bad thing is the livings not a bad one at all and I love doing it so that makes it better. Anyway thanks a million thus far for the replies and anymore are much apreciated.

Live and learn I say. If this kind of close call scares you and you're not comfortable around the animals anymore I suggest you not deal with them anymore... Being afraid of the animals and being around them can get you in just as much trouble as being over confident. It's a fine line we walk when dealing with these creatures. If possible just try to take a deep breath and think about it and take it as an opportunity to learn to try to be more aware of your surroundings. I'd say try to count it as a positive experience and a lesson learned.

Sorry this reply was made while I was typing the other. I agree with you 100% This is why I got rid of my Burmease Python and stoped dealing with HUGE snakes because it atacked me 2 times and I no longer felt comfy around it. I have not been back on that site or dealing with Rattlers at all sence this happened just do to the fact that it freaked me out. I am realy hoping this is just somthing I can suck up and go back. I would be a true shame should I not be able to do it anymore.

How did you check the crevice? The first thing if you're not already doing it is to take a mirror or a GOOD flashlight to check crevices and stay clear of any you can't see into. But you're right, he might have been farther down where you couldn't see when you first checked and come up to see what was going on later.

Depending on what the terrain is like (how many crevices might be near you at one time), maybe you could make some sort of shield to carry with you to block off areas like that. Maye sure it's either clear plastic or that it has a handle in the center of one side so you can pick it up withouy exposing your fingers around the edges...

I am going into town tomorow and research just a shield as you mentioned. The events leading up to it are not comon and doubtfull they will repeat themselves and from what I understand a shoulder bit like that is a very uncomon thing and more than likly will never hapend like that agan so I am researching some bullet proof protection basicaly from the knees down.

Wouldn't a piece of plastice with a handle attached to it work? I am pretty sure it doesn't need to be bullet proof.

Good luck out there, sounds like a freak thing and more than likely it will make you even more cautious when working in the field.

Much more carfull thats for sure. Actualy what I am working on are some protectors from the knees down. I am new at this protection stuff so it may sound funny but I picked up some aluminume flashing that I plan to use today. I was asked yesterday if leather would work and my responce was I would hate to find out it dosnt the hard way and I know they cant bite through mettle. Seems a little heavy but I still need to cut it way back sence the pieces are like 3' wide. Maybe just maybe if I dont look and feel to stupid I will post a picture when they are compleated.

For making it out of aluminum, I suggest doing dry runs with posterboard to make the pattern with. And then filing all edges and giving the edges a final run over with emerycloth. It'd be extremely ironic if the biteguards bite you.

I admit I don't know what's the exact deal between leather and venomous fangs. But there's a way to boil and beat vegetable tanned leather literally into armor. They used it in the middle ages, those who couldn't afford metal anyway. I can see about digging up some info on it if you like.
-----
0.1 chickens (Condor)
0.2 dog mutts (half ownership, only mine when they misbehave, Lucy & Amy)
0.1 Halflinger horse (Crissy)
0.1 Normal phase California Kingsnake (Sophia)
1.1 parents
Still searching for 1.0 WC human

There are snakes that will bluff and not open their mouths when striking. I'm not sure if rattlers do this, I've never tested it to see! Other than that, maybe he just missed. No insurance?
-----
1.1 Cal Kings
1.1 Northern Pines
1.2 Honduran Boas
0.1 Tangerine Honduran Milks
1.2 Pueblan Milks
1.2 Blue Beauties
1.1 Irian Jaya Carpet Pythons

This topic has realy been on my mind ever sence it happened. Its funny how things work but just this event has made me consider not only giving up on ven snakes but all reptiles all together. Kinda funny huh? I mean I have been telling myself all week "Are they realy worth dieing for?" Hmmmm the answer in my mind is no they are not worth it. Only time will tell I guess. I also think that if this is what happens when a close call is encountered there must be masive mental trama for those who are actualy biten and envenimated. I could not and dont want to even imagine how that must feel mentaly.