Читать книгу Backpacking Washington - Craig Romano - Страница 25

Compared with other parts of the world, natural nuisances in Washington State are minimal. Two that you should be concerned with are snakes that rattle and arachnids that hitch a ride.

Rattlesnakes: There’s no need for concern on the wet west side of the Cascades or in the Olympics. But on the east side of the Cascade crest—in particular, in low-elevation, dry canyon areas—northern Pacific rattlesnakes may be found. As intent on avoiding you as you are them, rattlesnakes generally keep away from humans. But if you get too close, they’ll set off an alarm by rattling their tail. Should you hear this sound, walk away, allowing the snake to retreat. Never, ever try to catch, provoke, or pursue one. Rattlesnake bites in Washington are extremely rare, and deaths resulting from rattlesnake bites even rarer. In the event that you get bit, however, remain calm, wash the bite, immobilize the limb, apply a wet wrap, and seek medical attention immediately.

Ticks: You should be far more concerned with this nuisance for the role it plays as a disease vector. Ticks are parasites that live off the blood of their host. Hikers make great hosts, and ticks will cling to them if given the opportunity. Generally more active in the spring and early summer on the lower slopes of the east side of the Cascades and throughout eastern Washington, ticks inhabit shrubs and tall grasses. When you brush up against these plants, the tick gets an opportunity to hitch a ride. In tick country wear long sleeves and tuck pant legs into socks. Be sure to check yourself after hiking, particularly at waist, hat, and sock lines. And if one of the little buggers has fastened itself to you, get out your tweezers. Gently squeeze its head until it lets go; try not to break the head off, or it may become lodged in your skin and cause the bite site to become infected. Wash and disinfect the bite area. Most ticks in the Northwest do not carry Lyme disease. Still, it’s best to monitor the bite. If a rash develops, immediately seek medical help.