Snakes

Snake bite:

While we are on the subject, I would like to share a little first hand experience.
In August of 1995, I was helping with my son's Eagle Project at a nature center
in a nearby county. I was carrying a large ladder for the guys and not paying a
whole lot of attention to my route. Anyway, I cut across some bushes to avoid
carrying the ladder any farther than necessary. I felt a sharp sensation on my leg,
behind by knee. It felt sort of like being scratched by a thorn. I didn't pay much
attention and went about finishing the project. When I got home, I asked my
wife to look at the back of my leg to see if I needed to seek medical help.
Apparently the area behind my knee was black and necrotic. The diagnosis
was that the wound was consistent with that caused by a snake
(probably a copperhead). The take home message was that copperheads
are lousy shots and that the venom from an oblique strike was not terribly
problematic. A problem occurred because of a secondary infection
form the bite (snakes have funky mouths). I received IV antibiotics for a
week because of this infection.

Take home message from one who did everything wrong. Wear long pants
when snakes may be present and stay on designated trails. Above all,
remember that Scouts are in greater danger when riding in cars to events
than when hiking in snake country.

Bob Rosebrough
ASM Troop 601
Columbia, MD

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