Yosemite: Run-ins with Rattlesnakes Result in (Helicopter) Rescues

[Rex Sanders]

CHP rescue chopper with air ambulance in background, YNP.

A detailed account of two different backpackers bit by rattlesnakes and rescued by helicopters last month. Worth reading the whole thing for details on what to do and not do in that situation. Recovery can be long and painful.

https://www.nps.gov/yose/blogs/run-ins-with-rattlesnakes-result-in-rescues.htm

— Rex

PS – The CHP and NPS helicopter rides are free. Air ambulance can be over $50,000, depending on your (lack of) insurance.

[Jerry Adams]

good article Rex

I wonder what would happen if they didn’t go to hospital and get anti venom, death?

[Pedestrian]

One was in the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne (GCT) …….the guy was fishing barefoot standing on rocks……

How stupid can you get?

It is well known that stretches of the GCT teems with rattlesnakes among other snakes and lizards. On our hike out of Pate valley I personally counted seven rattlers that I saw. I have no idea how many we missed……The trail going up towards Glen Aulin is a narrow single track lined with manzanita and other shrubs. The snakes can be hard to see until you get real close!

We had camped down in Pate valley the previous night and got in the Tuolumne river for a swim – in the span of an hour we counted at least a dozen snakes in the water not far from us.

Interesting tidbit: back around 2004/5 we were rafting down the American river; my son and I got in the river at a calm spot; we both spotted a rattlesnake emerge from the water and get on the rocks on the riverbank close to us and slither away. Until then I was led to believe that “rattlesnakes can’t swim”.

 

 

 

 

 

[Alex Wallace]

Yikes! Thanks for sharing, Rex.

Why do I always happen across these stories right before a solo trip.

Both areas are pretty well known hot spots for rattlers.

I hope both victims fully recover. Sounds painful (and scary).

[Jeff Y]

Most, if not all snakes are very good swimmers I believe.

[Author]

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