Lesson Learned from a Marin Hiker: Don’t Pick Up a Rattlesnake
The rattlesnake was believed to be 9-12 inches long, indicating it was most likely an adolescent
It’s unknown what was going through the head of the 79-year-old hiker near Mount Tamalpais in Marin County who decided to pick up a rattlesnake on Sunday. But there’s no surprise about the outcome of the situation…
The hiker was airlifted to the hospital with as many as three rattlesnake bites following his unconscionable decision to pick up the snake. The CHP Golden Gate Air Operations rushed him to the hospital and he is expected to make a full recovery.
Luckily for the hiker, he was on one of the main trails on Mount Tamalpais where he could immediately flag down some mountain bikers who aided his rescue. The rattlesnake was believed to be 9-12 inches long, indicating it was most likely an adolescent.
The hiker experienced all of the tell-tale signs of a rattlesnake bite -Â swelling, numbness and tingling in both hands, as well as increasing numbness in his jaw and neck. A terrifying ordeal indeed.
The obvious lesson in this situation is to not pick up a rattlesnake. If you pick up a rattlesnake, you’re gonna have a bad time.
But in all seriousness, the warm weather in Northern California brings out the rattlesnakes in the area. Never approach a rattlesnake. Give them room. They aren’t aggressive if you avoid their territory. It’s also a good idea to have any dogs on a leash so they avoid a run in with snakes.
Here is the post from the CHP:
