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 Eagle Canyon/Clara Burgess Trails
Palm Springs/Cathedral City, California Many of the same trails contain several different landscapes. This depended on the direction facing. I found countless viewpoints that were generally missed due to the grueling task of actually hiking the inclines. On my last venture, in which I had brought my camera for the photos relating to the article, did I come face to face with one of the desert’s deadliest predators. The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. The Crotalus Atrox. This is a dangerous, yet beautiful snake, is known to get more than 7 feet long. It’s distinguished diamond pattern and unmistakable rattle contribute to the mystique that surrounds the most aggressive of the venomous snakes in the United States. With hundreds of bites attributed each year, the Diamondback count is consistently higher than any other in its class. This snake will stand its ground when threatened and has no problem attacking a human. Its venom will cause severe tissue damage, and any wound caused by a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake should be treated immediately.  My encounter happened one morning just after 9 a.m. I was heading up to Murray Peak from the 111/Gene Autry Trailhead. I had just passed the water towers and took a side trail that went up and along a ridge. It was on the incline of the curvy trail, I rounded a corner. There, basking in the sun, was more than 5 feet of Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. Had I not been watching my footing, at the speed I was going, I would have stepped squarely on this deadly predator. The trail was flanked on each side by a new growth of grass. The recent rains made the grass and desert sage sprout and created a tranquil sea of waving green, a perfect setting for small animals to hide. Also, a perfect place for predators to lie in wait. As I rounded that corner of the dusty trail, I came well within striking distance from a now alarmed, venomous creature. Its rattle clicked away, giving me warning to its presence. My initial reaction was that of evasion. That is, I jumped. The trail was thin and on an incline. Its occasional rocks made for perfect steps, whether coming up or going down the landscape. I couldn’t jump to the right or left of the trail, as the tall grass may have held its mate. It didn’t matter which gender of the species I was confronting — it was an equally dangerous situation, especially since it was mating season. So, I jumped back along the trail, almost colliding with my friend. He, too, was startled. Within seconds, I had my camera out. I began shooting video of this magnificent creature as it slid itself across the path towards the grass and rocks. There it began a low, airy hiss. The sound that emitted from its lungs sounded like pure evil; a bone-chilling warning of death to its target. I am thankful the camera had a zoom lens. I began to make my way back, giving the snake enough room and space to move on its way.Where I encountered the venomous desert dweller was in the middle of an S-curve, so just as I, coming up, had a blind corner into this situation. Coming down the opposite direction, one would be just as unable to see. I watched as the snake slowly made its way across the path. As it did, I tried to examine its markings. The black rings were just below the rattle. The brownish scales blended with the desert floor. I watched as it coiled into an attack position. Anything within reach was fair game, and it had already shown its fangs once. The place it had chosen as its defensive perch was very dangerous to any passerby. The rest of the hike was overshadowed by the encounter with the snake. The few we passed we warned of the situation and reminded them to be aware. After looping several trails, we branched off towards Murray Peak. There we encountered two groups of people who had heard about our encounter. They too were surprised at the proximity of the predator to the population. They, like us, had never seen a rattlesnake of this caliber in this part of the desert before. Was it a chance encounter or is it a foreshadowing of a migration to come? Either way, it is a factor when tackling the outdoors, one that you should be aware of and prepared for. What to do in case of snakebite: 1. Stay calm, get safely away from the snake.
2. Immobilize/raise wound above heart. Try not to move.
3. Treat for shock/preserve body heat.
4. Prep site for swelling (remove rings if need, etc.)
5. Apply a light constricting band about 2 inches above and below the wound. Soft wide cloth or handkerchief is recommended. NOTE: The purpose of constricting bands is to restrict lymphatic flow, not blood, so they should not be too tight. Check pulses below the bands and readjust them as necessary when they tighten due to swelling. NEVER place the bands on either side of a joint (above and below the knee or elbow).
6. If you can, wash the wound with soap and water.
7. Get to medical care for anti-venom. If the victim has to walk out, sit calmly for 20-30 minutes to let the venom localize at the site, proceed calmly to the nearest source of help and try to avoid unnecessary exertion that will stimulate circulation.
DO NOT apply a tourniquet. It may damage the limb. | |||||||
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