[pct-l] Rattlesnakes on the PCT

[David Ellzey]

It's my belief that a buzzworm (I also like the term) will not strike a pole unless it is touching them or at least very, very close to them. This is due to the fact that they are pit vipers and effectively "see" their targets using thermal imaging. To the buzzworm, a trekking pole simply is not a living thing and poses no danger unless you poke them with it.

Dave

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Don Billings
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2010 7:40 PM
To: Matthew Edwards
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Rattlesnakes on the PCT

Interesting story. Thanks for the post.

Although I have yet to embrace hiking poles, I am planning to. And, it seemed to me just yesterday that a snake just 
might strike the poles before it struck my leg if the pole was in the right place. So, you confirmed it is possible. And
thus poles might play a part in lessening the odds of sustaining a bite injury.

I also liked your idea of a snake warning via squiggle in the dirt.



----- Original Message ----
From: Matthew Edwards <hetchhetchyman at aol.com>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Sent: Wed, March 31, 2010 1:18:32 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Rattlesnakes on the PCT

Sure, I saw plenty of rattlesnakes on the PCT last year. Mostly in the first 400 miles. Every time except once I had ample warning from the snake. That one time was climbing Jenkins peak. The air had turned cooler as a gentle rain began to fall. I was distracted by the mesmerizing weather amid what to me seemed like Desert enviroment. I stepped right next to a slumbering juvenile rattler. I jumped back before it reacted. It was in the middle of the trail so I relocated it with my trekking pole due to a train of hikers I knew were no more than 1 hr behind me. As the tip of my trekking pole touched it's body the snake instantly struck the pole basket three times in rapis succesion!
Anyhow I relocated the snake down slope a bit and then did something we all began early in the hike.
I made a squiggly line in the trail dust for 10 feet in front and after the point I found the snake.
In my "tribe" it was our way of signaling a snake was nearby.
Definitely not LNT so go ahead and rip me for the suggestion if you like.
Other than that one encounter I really never worried to much about rattlers either on trail or cowboy camping at night.. Neither did anyone I met.
Just use common sense and try to stay alert especially during the warming times of the day and evenings.
Beautiful Animals!
-Iceaxe

HikeStrong2010.com Benefits Cancer Research
Sent on the go from my Peek
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