Desert Messenger

12 www.DesertMessenger.com February 19, 2014 Warmer temperatures mean snakes are active As the weather warms, the Phoenix Herpetological Society has begun receiving calls to remove snakes from backyards and others areas, and wants to remind people about living safely with these wildlife. Most important is to look where you are stepping or reaching outdoors, and avoid sticking your hands in areas where you can't see what you may be touching, says Debbie Gibson, Vice President of the Phoenix Herpetological Society. "When it's hot during the day, snakes hide in shady or damp ar- eas," she says. "Under a bush with a drip system is heaven to them. When people go out in the morn- ing and start trimming bushes or working in the yard, they need to check before putting their hands or feet where they can't see." And, she warns: "Snakes don't have ears, so they can't hear you coming." Other tips for living with snakes safely include carrying a fl ashlight after dark and walking away if you encounter a snake. Homeowners often put them- selves at risk when trying to deal with a snake on their property – an estimated 80 to 90 percent of rattlesnake bites happen when homeowners take matters into their own hands. What to do if bitten by a rattlesnake: • Call 911 and stay calm. • Keep the bitten area still. You can immobilize the area with an im- provised splint made from a board, magazines, or other stiff material tied to the limb (but don't tie it too tight because you don't want to reduce blood fl ow). Remove any jewelry or constricting items near the affected area in case of swelling. • Elevate the extremity that's bitten. DO NOT: • Drive yourself to the hospital. • Use ice to cool the bite. • Cut open the wound and try to suck out the venom. • Use a tourniquet. This will cut off blood fl ow and the limb may be lost. At least 13 species of rattlesnake and a few other types of venomous snakes make their home in Arizo- na. However, far more non-venous snakes are found in the state. Phoenix Herpetological Society also wants people to understand that killing a snake or other reptile isn't the best way of dealing with these creatures. "We teach the public that wildlife plays a major role in our world, and that we are encroaching on their homes," adds Gibson. "We can co-exist if we un- derstand how." For more information about the Phoenix Herpetological Society, call 602-550-1090 or go to www.phoenixherp.com. Bouse, AZ - Bouse Hills Muzzle Loaders annual rendezvous and trade camp is the 21, 22, 23 of this month at the La Paz County gun range and park 3 miles south of Bouse on Hwy. 72. Only a hundred yards off the highway, look for RV's, tents and lots of activities. FREE ADMISSION. Brats, sauerkraut, soda pop, chips on site. What was life like on the frontier in the 1820's? Well, come and see home-made vintage clothing, jew- elry, foot wear, knives, rifl es, hats, coats and lots more. It's virtually a live museum of the era on the move. Additionally, the site is one of the best shooting ranges for lively shoot- ing competition, in the entire SW and sponsors over a hundred RV sites at a very, very reasonable rate. Our club emphasizes activities for both men and women such as his- tory research, trade items, clothing, cooking, exchange of period con- cepts and life in general on the fron- tier. There's also woodcraft, leather craft, storytelling, music, medicine, lapidary - WOW! See you there. Ray 360-791-9440 READER'S OASIS BOOKS 690 E. Main - Quartzsite (one block east of Family Dollar) 928-927-6551 Rendezvous and Trade Camp Feb. 21-23 Craft Fair 1st Sat. of every month! Daily Activities! QIA 928-927-6325 235 E. Ironwood St., Quartzsite BINGO FRIDAY NIGHTS Opens at 5pm. Early Birds 6:30pm. Main7pm Concessions Available We have great lunch menus, serving at 12 noon sharp! Suggested donation is only $3. There's cards, books, games, puzzles, pool table, Wi-Fi available. Community Services, Volunteers Needed! Come join the fun at Quartzsite SENIOR Center 40 Moon Mountain Ave. For more information call 928-927-6496 Senior Center open all year! Monday - Friday, 9am – 3pm Storage units conveniently located in Quartzsite available at reasonable rates. Open year round. Fenced location with on-site security. For information regarding sizes and rates, please contact Loretta Warner at 928-927-8543. 70 South Kofa • Quartzsite, AZ Contact: Loretta Warner 928-927-8543 DEADLINE IS WED FEB. 26 for March 5 th edition Desert Messenger Email: editor@DesertMessenger.com Phone: 928-916-4235 www.DesertMessenger.com 208-290-5102 Honey Do Lists? Builder with 35 years experience in satisfied customers! High quality workmanship Small to Large Projects Call Rich! not a licensed contractor

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