Desert Survival - Part Three

• Rattlesnakes - These are easily identified by the sandy color, the broad arrow-shaped head, blunt tipped-up nose, and rattles on the tail. Look for them mostly where food, water, and protection are available -- around abandoned structures, irrigation ditches, waterholes, brush and rock piles. They do not always give warning by rattling, nor do they always strike if someone is close. Usually they are not aggressive and will not "chase" people. If bitten, the strike results in immediate pain accompanied by swelling. The venom primarily causes local and internal tissue destruction and nerve damage. If traveling in areas where rattlers may be found, wear protective footgear and watch where you put your hands and feet. The general rule of thumb is if you hear one, stop and try to locate it, move slowly away from the sound and leave it alone. Most strikes are on individuals attempting to catch, kill or play with the snake.

• Arizona Coral Snake - A small snake, rarely over 20 inches long, with a small blunt, black head and tapering tail. A very attractive snake with wide red and black bands, separated by narrower yellow or white bands. All bands completely encircle the snake. There are many look-alikes to this species; the key to identification is the "red band" which will not touch the "black band". They are sometimes seen in the day during the spring months (March, April and May) and are nocturnal during the summer. They live under objects, in burrows, and are shy and timid. Corals must chew rather than strike to introduce venom, but due to the very small mouth are unable to bite any but the smallest extremities. Arizona coral snakes will attack only under severe provocation. The venom affects the nervous system, causing failure of the heart and respiratory muscles.

Treatment of Poisonous Snakebite: The following procedures are recommended by the Arizona Poison Control System:

• Do no harm. When treating a snake bite, this is the cardinal rule. Many people believe the bite of snakes and Gila Monsters are more life threatening than they really are, and attempts at first aid have sometimes proven to be harmful and dangerous.

• Calm and reassure the victim.

• Decrease movement of the limb that has been bitten and elevate it.

• Apply a light constricting band above the bite location (be able to insert two fingers under band). Do not release the band unless it becomes too tight from swelling.

• If possible, without risking another bite, capture the snake and bring in with the victim.

FOOD
Edible Plants: A visit to the Phoenix Botanical Gardens in Papago Park or a similar arboretum will afford much interesting information regarding desert plants. Most experts agree the main edibles are in the fruits of the cacti and legumes. All cactus fruits are safe to eat. The legumes are the bean bearing plants. The identification of all poisonous plants in Arizona (there are more than 700 in the United States and Canada) is beyond the scope of this small booklet. The reader is encouraged to study the matter further based upon the degree of interest. There is no pattern of geography, habitat, relationship, seasonal appearance or plant part that can be used successfully to separate poisonous plants from harmless ones. The best advice is to leave the plants alone and rely upon an emergency survival food pack. You must have water to survive, but you can go without food for some days without harmful effect. In fact, if water is not available, do not eat, as food will only increase your need for water.