Snake Safety

At the end of July, I took a raft trip down the Lower Salmon river with a group of old friends. I am so grateful every time I get to go outside and enjoy our stunning wild spaces, especially with good company. On our second to last night, after a gorgeous dinner of smoked salmon salad and key lime pie, I was walking from the kitchen to my sleeping area just after dark when I heard a sound that has sent shutters down spines for centuries. About 24 inches from my left foot, a rattlesnake coiled and announced its presence. As with most snake interactions, we made ourselves known to each other and parted ways without anyone being worse for the ware. I thought it would be a nice opportunity however, to review what one should do if they have a snake interaction that is less polite.
It is important to know that snake envenomations are uncommon. There are only about 12 in Idaho each year without any fatalities in the last quarter century. The best ways to prevent a snakebite are: have good situational awareness around woodpiles and in rocky terrain, wear pants and high-topped boots when walking through tall grass, and most importantly do not harass snakes. If someone is bitten by a wild snake in Idaho, we do not need to know what kind of snake it is to treat them. Wash the area with soap and warm water, remove any constricting clothing, and begin calmly yet expediently moving them towards the hospital. It is helpful if you mark areas of swelling with a time stamp especially if you are far from the hospital. Both 911 and poison control (1-800-222-1222) are good prehospital resources. Clearwater Valley Health and St. Mary’s Health hospitals stock broad-spectrum anti-venom to initiate treatment for the local, systemic, and hematologic impacts of an envenomation. Contraindications to this anti-venom are previous anaphylaxis from anti-venom or severe allergy to papaya fruit. With snakebites, time is tissue so get the person to the closest anti-venom as soon as possible.

While snakebites are uncommon, it is good practice to imagine your own emergency procedures for low likelihood but high consequence events, especially when traveling in the backcountry. Extra food and water, a first aid kit, fire starting materials, and a communication device are all good general considerations when recreating in the backcountry. I hope you are all enjoying these beautiful last days of summer.