Here in the desert of the Phoenix valley, we are about to see the first 80 degree temperatures of 2013. It’s springtime! This is the time of year that we all live for here! Beautiful blue skies. Warm (not hot) temperatures. Time to get out and enjoy it.
But we must remember that we are not the only ones that want to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather. Snakes and other hibernating critters will be venturing out, too. This is the time of year that the first snakebites occur. The best medicine is prevention. If you are going to go out and enjoy the beautiful weather and our many hiking trails, be mindful that you are not alone out there. Early morning is when the critters come out to sun themselves. Middle of the day, when the sun is the warmest, the snakes and critters look for shade. Watch for snakes. Watch where you step. Look before you reach for something.
If all else fails and someone is bitten, make sure they are safely away from the snake or other critter. Keep them calm. Keep the bite below the heart if at all possible. Call 911. Even if it is not a poisonous snake it will be a good idea to get the bite checked out.
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