"Dangerous" wildlife around the state? (scorpions, train)

[grmi66]

I hike and run over 1000 miles a year on the trails out here and have had zero issues with snakes. See maybe 2-3 a year and get buzzed off once every other year. No need for snake gaiters or extra special footwear in Arizona.

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by grmi66

I hike and run over 1000 miles a year on the trails out here and have had zero issues with snakes. See maybe 2-3 a year and get buzzed off once every other year. No need for snake gaiters or extra special footwear in Arizona.

Almost 400 people are bitten annually in AZ. There is definitely significant cause for concern. Have you seen how much anti-venin costs per vial? Sometimes over $10K. Many bad envenomations can require multiple vials. Its not cheap! Its always better to be safe than sorry.


Coming down from Twobit Peak 3 years ago, I was right near that trail where it intersects trail 101, and right in the middle of the path was a red phase tiger rattlesnake, all stretched out, not moving a muscle. Had I not noticed the slight pattern difference between the rattler and the rocks, I would've stepped right on it. Luckily I looked down literally 2-3 steps before it and froze. I had to stop all the other hikers, too, until I could get it off the trail to safety.


Same thing happened on the Cholla Trail (Camelback) last Fall. I was coming back down the trail (by one of the guard rail things) and there was a nice sized western diamondback right on the trail. Well, half its body was on the trail, the other half was off the trail. I used my hiking stick and touched its rattler and it quickly shot off into the brush.


ALWAYS keep your eyes peeled, people. Always.

[cactusland]

Rattlers are all over the state. Rattlers are shy too, they don't like people so they would rather move than deal with you - if they are warm enough to do so. Many people don't see them because of how well they blend into the environment. Proper footwear if out hiking I would say is essential, not optional.

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by cactusland

Rattlers are all over the state. Rattlers are shy too, they don't like people so they would rather move than deal with you - if they are warm enough to do so. Many people don't see them because of how well they blend into the environment. Proper footwear if out hiking I would say is essential, not optional.

You aint lyin! I chuckle when I hear people say "Ive been here for 15 years and have never seen a snake!" People, you might not have seen them, but I guarantee tons have seen you.


http://929nin.com/files/2016/03/Rattlesnake-Hiding.png


https://ssl.c.photoshelter.com/img-g...DRS-026396.jpg


https://cdnph.upi.com/ph/st/th/80214...rhead.jpg?lg=5


http://cdn0.wideopenspaces.com/wp-co...Bull-Snake.jpg


https://steemit-production-imageprox...hET5_1680x8400

[Nurse Bishop]

Its not the animals its the vegetable kingdom. The incredible numers of thorns and stickers. Almost every single plant will cause you pain and distress.

[wit-nit]

Most of the critters that are dangerous out here are those jackasses behind the wheel. Otherwise you leave the desert animals alone they won't bother you. Also remember who was here first.

[tumamoc]

This is my top 10 list of things to be wary of in the desert (in no particular order):

1. Dehydration/heat exhaustion (lots of people get turned around, even on trails, and that 1.5-hour hike with a bottle of water turns into an all day thing)
2. Thorny vegetation (esp. evil cholla)
3. Slips and falls (also driving off the road)
4. Prospect pits/mining adits (many are left uncovered)
5. Storm water flowing in normally dry washes/arroyos
6. Beehives
7. Upset landowners/dogs
8. Rattlesnakes
9. Wandering into a herd of javelina (esp. with babies)
10. Bulls

[grmi66]

Originally Posted by BIG CATS

Almost 400 people are bitten annually in AZ. There is definitely significant cause for concern. Have you seen how much anti-venin costs per vial? Sometimes over $10K. Many bad envenomations can require multiple vials. Its not cheap! Its always better to be safe than sorry.


Coming down from Twobit Peak 3 years ago, I was right near that trail where it intersects trail 101, and right in the middle of the path was a red phase tiger rattlesnake, all stretched out, not moving a muscle. Had I not noticed the slight pattern difference between the rattler and the rocks, I would've stepped right on it. Luckily I looked down literally 2-3 steps before it and froze. I had to stop all the other hikers, too, until I could get it off the trail to safety.


Same thing happened on the Cholla Trail (Camelback) last Fall. I was coming back down the trail (by one of the guard rail things) and there was a nice sized western diamondback right on the trail. Well, half its body was on the trail, the other half was off the trail. I used my hiking stick and touched its rattler and it quickly shot off into the brush.


ALWAYS keep your eyes peeled, people. Always.

Though extremely rare that someone gets bit hiking or running in Arizona. I've accidentally stepped on a few, took a nature break on one that was hiding under the bush I picked and ridden over one with a bike. Not saying that people don't get bit in Arizona, but saying your chances out hiking are slim.

I just looked it up to confirm what an ER nurse in Tucson told me and most snake bite victims are young men between 18-30 and alcohol is involved. The others for the most part are the weird ones where a snake is curled up on a welcome mat on someone's front doorstep, hiding in a pool filter or landscaping valve box.

You have more to worry about from getting run over by a mountain bike than you do from getting bit by a snake in Arizona.

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by grmi66

Though extremely rare that someone gets bit hiking or running in Arizona. I've accidentally stepped on a few, took a nature break on one that was hiding under the bush I picked and ridden over one with a bike. Not saying that people don't get bit in Arizona, but saying your chances out hiking are slim.

I just looked it up to confirm what an ER nurse in Tucson told me and most snake bite victims are young men between 18-30 and alcohol is involved. The others for the most part are the weird ones where a snake is curled up on a welcome mat on someone's front doorstep, hiding in a pool filter or landscaping valve box.

You have more to worry about from getting run over by a mountain bike than you do from getting bit by a snake in Arizona.

What you've heard is true. Many bite victims are young, inebriated males messing with rattlers for "fun". And a lot of bites occur to those uninitiated to desert wildlife. Anyone who has lived here long enough knows to not reach into places you cant see, or forget to check inside pool filters, under doorsteps, etc.

[wase4711]

Originally Posted by BIG CATS

You aint lyin! I chuckle when I hear people say "Ive been here for 15 years and have never seen a snake!" People, you might not have seen them, but I guarantee tons have seen you.


http://929nin.com/files/2016/03/Rattlesnake-Hiding.png


https://ssl.c.photoshelter.com/img-g...DRS-026396.jpg


https://cdnph.upi.com/ph/st/th/80214...rhead.jpg?lg=5


http://cdn0.wideopenspaces.com/wp-co...Bull-Snake.jpg


https://steemit-production-imageprox...hET5_1680x8400

great pix man, thanks...