Alligator, snake season heating up

By JO1 Jennifer Spinner
Periscope Staff

People gearing up for another hot and steamy summer here, one that will inevitably include fun activities such as camping, boating, fishing and other outdoor activities, should not only take precautions to avoid poison ivy and sunburn, they must also stay alert for deadly dangers - poisonous snakes and alligators!

Several venomous snakes reside in southeastern Georgia and alligators are prevalent in waters on and off base. In most situations they do not pose a threat to humans, according to ABHC(AW/SW) Rodger Wisdom, NSB Kings Bay base game warden. He encourages adults and children to be aware of the reptiles and act safely while they enjoy the natural resources that make NSB Kings Bay such a great place to live and work.

''Warmer weather means that all of those animals who have been laid up all winter are coming out of their hibernation areas. People need to be careful,'' said Wisdom.

''If you come across a snake leave it alone,'' Wisdom said. ''Most bites happen on the hands and arms of people who poke and prod the snake instead of walking away. This is especially true among children. Parents need to educate their children about what to do if they see a snake.'' It is also important to know what to do when a snake strikes a victim, according to Wisdom.

Tips on what to do for a snakebite victim can be found at www.fda.gov/fdac/features/995_snakes.html. The key is to get the victim immediate professional medical care, he said.

Snakes such as the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, canebrake rattlesnake, dusky pygmy rattlesnake and cottonmouth moccasin are members of the hemotoxin species, which means their venom can cause serious damage to the body tissue surrounding a bite.

The only neurotoxin species found in Kings Bay is the eastern coral snake. This species has a small mouth and small teeth instead of fangs. Its venom is introduced through its saliva and attacks the central nervous system. Bites from these snakes are uncommon and usually come as a result of direct handling.

Though sightings are rare, Wisdom also includes the copperhead in his list of snakes to look out for.

Another potentially deadly creature often spotted here is the American alligator. Alligators are especially active during mating season, which is April to May, and during nesting season, which runs from June to August. Regardless of the month, Wisdom warns that keeping your distance is the best bet.

''An alligator's diet consists mainly of fish, small mammals and other creatures, such as turtles, but they have been known to go for people if the opportunity is there,'' Wisdom warned. ''When you see an alligator laying on the bank or basking in the sun, just stay away and give us a call.''

Wisdom also warns against feeding alligators. Not only is it dangerous, it is against the law.

''The last thing we want is for alligators to equate humans with food,'' he said.

''Reptiles are a valuable part of our ecosystem,'' he said. ''Treat them with the respect they deserve and give the space they need. They're not our enemies.''

If you spot a snake, alligator or other wild animal, leave it alone and call security dispatch immediately at 573-2145 or 573-2146.

For more information on local wildlife, contact Wisdom at 573-3145.