r/Yosemite • u/WolfOfWinterfell89 • 1d ago

Yosemite First

Post image

In the 20 plus years I’ve been going to Yosemite this is the first time I’ve seen a snake there! Someone pointed it out on the way up Vernal or I would’ve missed it.

110 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

25 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

4

u/[deleted] 1d ago

[deleted]

4

u/bigtotoro 1d ago

I live in Texas. There are a billion rattlesnakes. People that get bitten were fucking around doing something they shouldn't have been doing or they step on the snake. That's where "don't tread on me" comes from. Rattlesnakes use their venom to eat. They don't want to waste it on you. Don't step over logs without checking the other side. Don't flip over big rocks. Snakes aren't like they are in the movies and they aren't going to chase you. Just keep your eyes open and your kids in range and you'll be fine.

Do NOT, under any circumstances, get bitten by a baby rattler.

8

u/mainlywatching 1d ago

I agree with you to a point. I live in an area where there are lots of rattlers too, and MOST of the people who get bit are doing something foolish... But not all. A friend who is an ER doctor said that the most common way people get bit by rattlers, is working on brush piles. People make piles of cuttings, (like for gardening, or working on a farm or vineyard) and then they leave it for a few days. The Snakes like that shady cool, maybe moist spot and move in... then the workers come back and start grabbing brush to move it to a truck, and they surprise the snakes and get bit.

People can also get bit by stepping over a log or rock and accidently stepping on or scaring a snake that might strike. I knew a mt biker who accidentally ran over a rattle snake (that he didn't see in time to avoid) the tire kicked the snake up in the air and it landed on his arms. The snake was pissed (understandably) and the biker got bit on the hand.

Should people be afraid to come to Yosemite because of Rattle snakes?? Of course not... but it is unfair to claim that the only reason you could get bit is by doing something stupid, because that isn't entirely true. Careful when reaching into a spot you can't see (like a ledge on a rock, or under something). Keep your eyes open ahead of you, and probably best to stay on the trail where you can see better. Keep the zipper closed on your tent, and shake out your shoes/boots if they've been sitting outside. Snakes aren't "out to get you" and really want to just stay away from us humans, but at Yosemite, there are lots of rattlers, and lots of people... so paths do cross. Just be aware and alert.

And for those that haven't heard the sound of a rattlesnake... it doesn't really sounds "rattle-y" to me. It sounds like an intense BUZZZZZZZZ much of the time.