alone eat. But, if they are provoked or feel threatened, an alligator isn’t afraid to attack. According to the Florida Fish and Wild- life Conservation Commission, nesting season for these reptiles occurs in late June to early July in which females will deposit their eggs close to the water’s edge. If you find yourself working near still water in this region, keep an eye out for mounds of dirt and vegetation that might resemble a compost pile. Chances are there are eggs incubating in the center and a mama gator lurking nearby. Snakebites Snakes oen get a bad rap from the typical homeowner, but in actuality, they help keep many other pests under control. For an arborist, seeing more snakes could mean seeing fewer squir- rels and other rodents hiding out in the hollows or branches of a tree. While many assume snakes are only a ground-level hazard, arborists should be aware that some species are excel- lent climbers and may be found hiding out among the branches — and can blend in quite well among your ropes.
If a worker is bitten by a snake, don’t delay. Get them to the hospital as quickly as possible to receive medical attention.
Regardless of if they come from ven- omous or nonvenomous species, snakebites require immediate medical attention to reduce the risk of swell- ing, prolonged pain, infection, and, in severe cases, tissue damage and even death. “If a worker is bitten by a snake, don’t delay,” said Thierbach. “Get them to the hospital as quickly as possible to re- ceive medical attention.”
Identifying Common Snakes Snake species vary by region, so it’s best for tree workers to research and familiarize themselves with the types of snakes common to their area. When in doubt about a snake’s venom, main- tain your distance and alert your crew of its presence. Some venomous snake species found in the United States include: • Pit vipers , which include rattle- snakes, copperheads, and water moccasins (cottonmouths). These snakes are oen found in warm, wooded, and even swampy environ- ments. Pit vipers are characterized by triangular-shaped heads, verti- cal pupils, and long, hinged fangs. They come in a variety of colors and tend to blend in very well with their surroundings. Rattlers are one of the few snakes that will give you warning of their presence before they strike. So if you hear one, stay clear of that area. • Coral snakes , which are smaller in size and are identified by their red, yellow, and black banding. These are oen confused with the nonvenomous king snakes or milk snakes, both of which share the same coloring as coral snakes but in a different pattern. To identify a
Immediate medical evaluation is essential for any snakebite, as delays can lead to swelling, prolonged pain, infec- tion, and, in severe cases, tissue damage or even death.
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