RATTLESNAKE SAFETY @LYONS, COLORADO

​RATTLESNAKE BITES

​Any snake bite or possible snake bite should be treated as a medical emergency. Seek treatment immediately, DO NOT wait to see what happens. 
Most people and pets survive rattlesnake bites if treatment is started early. Delayed treatment increases the severity of symptoms and decreases survival rates.

​SYMPTOMS OF RATTLESNAKE BITES IN PETS

Symptoms of rattlesnake bites in dogs and cats include rapid swelling of the face or leg, sudden, severe lameness, drooling, vomiting, loss of coordination and mental confusion. Puncture wounds from the bite are often difficult to see because the bite marks are needle-like and bleed very little.

​TREATMENT FOR YOUR PET

​Up to 20% of rattlesnake bites are reported to be “dry” bites where no venom is injected. Blood tests are done to confirm that venom was injected and help guide treatments. 
Treatment of pets that have been bitten by rattlesnakes often includes intravenous fluids, anti-inflammatories, pain killers, antibiotics and antivenin. Severe cases may even require blood transfusions.

LYONS, CO: The warmer weather of spring and summer increases snake activities and snake encounters.

Rattlesnakes are often a concern of residents and visitors of Lyons and snakebites can occur as early as April and as late as October.

Most people would agree that Lyons has a higher prevalence of rattlesnakes than surrounding areas, but most don't realize that these snakes are present even in the middle of town. Rattlesnakes have been sighted at Lyons Middle/Senior High, Bohn Park, 5th Ave, 2nd Ave and High Street in addition to the trails and outlying areas of town.

SERIOUSLY, WHY IN LYONS?

​Weather plays a huge role in snake populations. Snake populations are markedly increased this summer and last summer due to the wet spring weather. More moisture in the spring and summer means more plants and seeds for mice and other small creatures to eat. More mice for snakes to eat means larger snake populations. Higher snake populations means more snake encounters. (Wow, everything really is interconnected!)

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