Warm Weather Perfect For Mayport's Snakes

This cold-blooded animal will sun itself in warm areas and tends to take shelter in cool, dark areas. Piles of trash, low-lying plant brush, equipment and children's toys in the yard make great hiding places for rattlesnakes, Burt said.

Keeping these items picked up and away from buildings and residential areas is imperative for preventing rattlesnakes from nesting in those areas.

These snakes are not aggressive and usually flee when approached by humans, but they are poisonous and will strike when it feels threatened. Rattlesnakes have the capability of striking up to two-thirds of its body length, without having to pull their body back before striking. They can inject hemotoxic venom which destroys tissue and organs and can lead to loss of limb and permanent scarring.

If you are bitten by a snake, do not attempt to treat it yourself. Stay calm and go to the nearest medical facility for treatment or call for emergency medical assistance.

Do not try to catch a rattlesnake! If you happen to come upon one on the naval station, the best policy is to stay back, keep it in view and call Burt at 219-2178 during the hours of 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Friday, or after working hours, call Security Dispatch at 270-5583.