Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Rattler bites hiker along Blue Ridge Parkway

[UPDATE: The snake bite has reportedly been declared bogus by park rangers although some still question the incident since no further information has been given. See comments under the News Virginian article.]

A hiker along the Appalachian Trail was reportedly bitten five times on the hand by a venemous snake on Tuesday afternoon. Other hikers found the man and rescue workers were called to airlift him to UVA Hospital in Charlottesville:
The man, believed to be in his 40s, was spotted about 2 p.m. leaning against a tree at the 9.6 mile marker at the Dripping Rock pull-off, said Chief George Maupin of the Waynesboro First-Aid Crew. Maupin said the man told a passerby that he'd been bitten five times in the hand by a timber rattlesnake.

By the time rescue personnel arrived at the scene, Maupin said, "he wasn't able to talk to us when we got there. He was in a dazed state."

Maupin said the victim, whose identity has not been released, was airlifted from Reed's Gap. He did not know the man's condition, but added, "we would assume he was critical."
There have been unusual snake sightings this year after a wet, cool spring.

As Bob at The Journey recently commented:
"The snakes will not attack humans unless harassed."

You've probably hiked close to more rattlers than you know. The cold spring has them 'warming up' more on rocks and near trails. Both snakes I've seen this year 'buzzed' their tails as I approached them. I HEARD the snakes before I saw them.

Rattlers are not as agressive as copperheads. Keep a sharp ear out for them. If you hear one, give the snake some space. Observe from a distance and always remember the primary rule of wildlife observation:

It is the snake, not you, who is the one who decides when it's been 'harassed.'
Heads-up out there.

Other SWAC Girl psots about this year's snake season:
- Unusual snake season in the Blue Ridge Mountains
- Watch your step on the trail ... rattlers are out
- The Journey: "More on snakes and bears"
- Timber rattlers out for summer

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