How You (And Your Dog) And What To Do
by Patti Neighmond, NPR’s health policy corresponden
I
t was a warm, wet winter this year across much of the United States. In most states, this means more greenery, more rabbits, more rodents and more snakes — which raises the risk of snake bites for humans and their canine companions. Biologist Gerad Fox is standing next to a loud rattlesnake. “Right now he’s in a classic strike posture, very defensive,” says Fox. “The rattle is a warning, saying, ‘Back off. I’m dangerous. You should leave me alone.’ “ Fox teaches biology classes at Loma Linda University in California and also runs
rattlesnake avoidance training classes for dogs. I took my dog, Baxter, to one of these classes, where he learned how to recognize the sight and scent of snakes as a danger to avoid.
about five of those people die. The CDC says the number of deaths would be much higher if people didn’t seek medical care as soon as possible.
“Snakes are part of our ecosystem and deserve to be there,” says Fox. They don’t want to hurt us, he explains, but if you or your dog stumble on one by mistake, they will bite.
There are four types of venomous snakes that roam the United States. Coral snakes are found in wooded, sandy or marshy areas in the South. Water moccasins live in the southeastern states. Copperheads, which vary in color from reddish to golden tan, are found in eastern states. And rattlesnakes live in mountains, prairies, deserts and beaches – basically everywhere across the country, including Fryman Canyon Park,
“Rattlesnakes can bite multiple times. They have a large reservoir of venom,” says Fox. Every year, an estimated 7,000 to 8,000 people get bitten in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Only
Copperhead snakes are one of the four kinds of venomous snakes in the United States.
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SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, EDUCATION & TRAINING, INC.
