Desert Hiking - Animal Hazards

Remember that you're a visitor when in wild desert country. Although humans have the responsibility to be careful stewards of the remaining wild lands and their animal and plant inhabitants, we are guests and should behave appropriately and respectfully. Most hazardous encounters with wild animals are a direct result of the human failing to act responsibly.

Never approach or attempt to handle any wild animal. All animals will defend themselves if they feel threatened or cornered. Even rabbits will bite to protect their young. By approaching or harassing wildlife, you are placing great stress on the animal and endangering yourself.

Mountain lions

Mountain lions or cougars are rare and elusive creatures in the remote country where they still survive. You'll be lucky to see tracks, let alone the animal. Most attacks happen after humans arouse the lion's predatory instincts by appearing to be prey. Running and mountain biking in lion country seems to have a slight chance of evoking the same response that a running deer causes.

If you do encounter a mountain lion, avoid prey-like reactions. Don't turn your back on the animal, and don't run. Make yourself appear as big and threatening as possible, and make unnatural sounds by rattling metal pots or the like. Mountain lion encounters usually result in just a fleeting glimpse of this magnificent animal.

Wolves and coyotes

Wolves have recently been reintroduced in some desert regions. They are not a hazard to humans. Neither are coyotes. The thrilling nocturnal howl of coyotes is as much a part of the desert as the clear, starry nights. We can only hope that the wolves are successful in their former ranges and that we will be lucky enough to hear their song as well.

Domestic cattle

Grazing occurs on much of the desert, so you may encounter cattle. Generally, cattle are used to humans and either avoid you or move away. It's possible that a bull could be dangerous, so it's a good idea to give cattle a reasonable margin as you pass them.

Snakes and other reptiles

Desert rattlesnakes are fascinating animals, well adapted for life in the harsh environment. Rattlesnakes do not attack people, though they may accidentally crawl in your direction if they're not aware of your presence. Rattlesnakes are more sensitive to ground vibrations than to sound and ordinarily move quietly away from an approaching large animal such as a hiker. If surprised, they usually coil into a defensive posture and back slowly away. The snake creates its unmistakable buzzing rattle by shaking its tail so fast it blurs. When you hear the rattle, stop immediately and spot the snake before moving carefully away. Never handle or tease any snake. Bites usually occur on the feet or ankles. Ankle-high hiking boots and loose-fitting long pants can stop or reduce the severity of bites. Collectors suffer the vast majority of rattlesnake bites. It's very rare for a hiker to be bitten.

Rattlesnake bites can be distinguished from nonpoisonous snakebites by the two puncture wounds left by the venomous fangs, in addition to the regular tooth marks.

Develop the desert habit of watching only the ground in front of you while moving. Stop before looking around or at distant objects. This habit will save you from encounters with cactus and stepping into rodent burrows, as well as lessen your chance of a surprise confrontation with a rattlesnake.

Snakes prefer surfaces at about 80 degrees F, so during hot weather they prefer the shade of bushes or rock overhangs, and in cool weather will be found sunning themselves on open ground. During cold weather, they are inactive. Any time lizards are active, rattlesnakes probably are active as well.

Since rattlesnakes can strike no further than about half their body length, avoid placing your hands and feet in areas you cannot see, and walk several feet away from rock overhangs and shady ledges.

Use a flashlight when moving around camp at dark, at least in the warmer months when snakes are active mainly at night. Never walk around camp barefoot or in sandals during the warm summer months.

Never kill rattlesnakes found in the wild. They are a vital part of the desert ecology and deserve respect. Do not handle a dead rattlesnake; they can strike by reflex for some time after apparent death.

You should carry a snakebite kit when snakes are active. Current medical opinion seems to agree that infection is as great a hazard as the venom. The amount of venom injected can vary greatly, and many bites, especially the common warning bites, inflict no venom at all. A good snakebite kit containing a suction syringe and antiseptic can be used to remove some venom immediately after the bite and to disinfect the wound site. Follow the instructions included with the kit, then get the victim to a hospital as soon as possible. Do not try the old practice of using a tourniquet or restricting band. This is now considered more dangerous than the bite itself.

The Sonoran coral snake is found only in the deserts of southern Arizona and northwestern Mexico. While extremely poisonous, it is reclusive, very small, and would have difficulty biting a human. All other desert snakes are nonpoisonous, though they may bite if handled.

A large lizard, the Gila monster, possesses venom similar to that of rattlesnakes but clamps on to its victim and grinds the venom into the wound with its molars. A rare and elusive reptile about a foot long that is protected by state law, the Gila monster is likely to bite only if handled or disturbed. Don't let its torpid appearance fool you—it can move very fast. Consider yourself very lucky if you even see one.