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Show 8 - GREENING TIMES - APRIL 1994 More SHAKERS from Page 2 — the tail, giving the viper a chance to aim and strike. At one time it was believed that the only good rattler was a dead one. And many people still have a morbid fear of snakes in general, produced in part by tales told down the centuries about their supematural and evil powers. Yet many cultures revere the snake as a deity capable of showering gifts; the characteristic zigzagging movement and lightning-like ability to strike became a natural symbol of lightning, rain. and good harvest for many Native Ameri- can tribes. Nowadays the benefits of snakes are often seen as outweighing the danger. More and more they are seen as an important member of the natural order. They are natural predators of rodents—rats and mice, chipmunks and squirrels—which comprise the bulk of a rattler’s diet, augmented with an occasional baby oottontail, skunk, bird, or lizard. Though there have been no reports of rattlesnake bites in our area, by the rattlesnake. The venom of a rattler can remain toxic for a long period of time. Dead snakes have been known to bite! Dried venom kept for 32 years and then dissolved in water was found to be just as poisonous as fresh. (My guess that this is the most likely chance of snake unable here in the valley.) Most rattlesnakes are not aggressive; they bite only when provoked. One’s chances of being bitten are extremely slim, and fewer than 3% of all rattlesnake bites are fatal. Severity rests on important factors such as location of bites; nature and number of bites; age, physical, and emotional state of the victim. (Some fatalities are caused by heart attacks after snakebites are presumed to be poisonous, but in fact are not.) I offer these suggestions in the unlikely event that you and this nervous neighbor should ever cross paths: - In general, pay attention to where you walk and where you step. It is always safer to wear shoes in wild areas. - The safest response when you hear or come upon a rattler is to Theories have changed on how to treat snakebites. As a rule, making an incision and using suction is no longer advisable and may actually cause further tissue damage. If you or a companion are ever bitten, please remember to: - Move out of snake-striking distance. - Keep patient quiet and reassured. - Do not panic. - Immobilize bite area and keep body part below level of heart if possible. - Get to a hospital. When you are a distance from medical help it is imperative that you know how to deal with emergencies of all types. Be informed and be prepared. There is no reason to be fearful of rattlesnakes. They are not after you but STAND STILL, spot the snake or note will love your mice. With a little Midget Faded or any other rattlesnake, caution and common sense, there is little chance of a confrontation between you and a rattler. 'Ihey are beautiful creatures and the most highly developed of all serpents. Seeing our first rattlesnake of the season was a thrill, a herald of spring. The snake did nothing and neither did we. ——Jil Kulander \ newrtnj/gégéiacgg / y‘almpotf. (“4193mm Home; - 3 A Lot of FUEV April 3rd was a perfect Easter Day on the CV Community Lot—the third such celebration since the land was deeded to Castle Valley by the Grand County Cemetery District in early 1992. About 60 people attended the potluck this year, played croquet or horseshoes or volleyball, sidled around the cakewalk markers. Everyone felt favored by the breezy but sunny weather, more so because the morning had looked doubtful. For me it was a significant celebration, because I've been getting better acquainted with the lot, and it was ready to have us come. I've always loved the idea of a town lot—probably because I spent so many memorable afternoons as a child with my cousins at Icelandic Reunions in Spanish Fork's town park. I like gatherings made up of all ages; they seem so rich to me, everyone lolling or milling around and A4») the direction of the sound. - Move away. A rattlesnake will not chase you and will not strike unless startled or attacked, so make a slow, calm retreat. Continue on your way. Experienced hikers suggest more ways to avoid trouble with rattlers: Keep your eyes open, look where you CASTLE VALLEY {xii-'5: COUNTRY STORE c’ :34"; fresh-baked whole wheat bread . step and where you put your hands. Never put your hands or feet where you cannot see (90% of all bites occur on extremities). Reaching for a rocky ledge above eye level, then pulling your head up to this level could prove dangerous! Go around rather than over large rocks or logs; step on top of obstacles rather than over them. Check the surrounding area before sitting down. Use a stick to move or turn objects. NEVER handle or pick up a dead ea) nuts, beans. seasonings \ssltr —J pastas. flour, cereals ¢ fruits. vegetables, & MORE 0 ORDER IN BULK QUANTITIES AND SAVE 5°16 Mondays and Thursdays 2:30 to 8 p.m. Phone 259—5906, Molly Jensen (ON THE CASTLE VALLEY ACADEMY CAMPUS) |