Today, a seven year old boy was bitten by a rattlesnake while visiting The Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield. There has also been a large increase in dog versus snakes encounters this year, leading to expensive vet bills. While these incidents are not directly related to geocaching, it is important to know that you can avoid being a snakebite victim.

Snakebites often occur when the snake is startled or provoked. Some simple precautions on the trail can avoid a disaster.  Wear heavy boots and long pants reinforced with leather or canvas. Be observant on the trail. The best defense is to avoid the snake. Snakes, if not startled, will avoid humans and leave the area.

Great hiding places for geocaches are also great hiding places for snakes. Avoid placing you hands directly into fallen logs, rock outcroppings, or boulders on the ground.  Carry a hiking stick for purposes of check these areas first.  Better to leave a cache then risk injury.

If you are bitten, seek emergency treatment immediately. Keep the bite location lower then you heart and most of all, remain calm. This is a good reason to never cache alone.

Stay safe this summer, and enjoy your geoceching adventures.

More information on rattlesnakes is available here.

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More information on geocaching is found on the Centennial State Geocaching Podcast