While it might appear that the Sonoran Desert hosts many dangerous species that should inhibit human enjoyment of the area, in fact, most of the more dangerous animals can be relatively easily avoided. Besides, some of the more dangerous plants and animals are all the more reason to visit the desert.

If you're going to spend much time at all in the desert, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the dangerous animals, their habits, habitats, and how to treat any inflicted wounds. A snake bite kit is a very small, light, potentially lifesaving addition to any desert field pack. You can get one practically anywhere, and they're very inexpensive. Familiarize yourself with the instructions for using the kit before going into the desert. If and when the kit is needed, time is always of the essence. You'll want to know how to use everything in the kit immediately in order to properly deal with the bite as quickly as possible. Any toxins delivered by a bite or sting is best removed immediately. Also, if you're taking friends into the desert, it's a good idea to ask if anyone is allergic to bee stings – if they are, be sure to have a kit that contains the appropriate medications.

One handy item to take into the desert with you is a walking stick. Something around 6' high, lightweight, and telescopic is even better. Not only will the walking aid reduce the amount of energy that is required to walk by up to 10%, it can also be used to encourage some of those denizens of the desert to "go elsewhere," While you and your party are near. Of course it's better to simply avoid contact all together, but if you spend enough time in the deserts and parks, you will eventually encounter an animal you'd rather not be so close to. Take heart – the animal feels the same way about you – probably even more so. Ergo, a little bit of well directed discouragement goes a long way. Use the stick to stab at the ground and propel dust, gravel or sand at the animal in order to remain further away from it. Remember that in almost all confrontations, it's better if you just slowly back away.

A few things to remember when walking through the desert are: 1) Step ON things, not over them. This means to step up on the rock or deadfall laying in the path, not to step over it – and put your foot down right next to where something could be shading itself. 2) Be especially cautious when around water. Water is scarce in the desert, and animals congregate around it. 3) Making a little extra noise when you walk can be a really good idea. It alerts animals to your presence, or impending presence, and prompts them to leave the area, or take cover until you're gone. Lastly, remember that many desert dwelling creatures have evolved over millions of years to be hard to see – and they are. You really have to pay attention to the ground, and any branches that get near you as you walk. Don't get too relaxed.

Let's begin with some of the snakes that are dangerous to humans, starting with the one that is most common, and is also definitely dangerous to humans. The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) is not only one of the symbols of the American West, it is also one of the most successful and abundant serpents in the Sonoran Desert regions. This species is the second largest variety of rattlesnake. It grows to about 3½-4 feet in length, but a record Western Diamondback Rattlesnake measured almost 7½ feet in length – that's almost twice the normal length. These snakes vary appreciably in size, temperament, and color depending on where in the desert they call home. Due to these variations in coloration, you should look at a number of photos of these snakes for recognition purposes. Or better yet, see them at The Desert Museum. Because of the warm temperatures, these snakes are known to be at least moderately active all year long, but they are most active from mid to late March, all the way through October. In the summer months, these snakes are not very active during the day, but in the cooler months of the year they do come out during full sun times. Rattlesnakes are not just predators, they are also prey. Rattlesnakes are actively hunted by javelina, hawks, coyotes, and King Snakes – to name only a few.

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