Rattlesnake Training

Below is an actual e-mail Rachelle got at work today. I'm not sure California is such a great place. I really like the advice about walking with a co-worker and making sure to keep "at a very safe distance" if you see a rattlesnake. I'd be keeping a very safe distance. I'd be distantly in my car heading to a safer place, i.e., Iowa. I made the mistake of reading this damn e-mail before I hit the trail today for a bike ride. Every little rustle in the bushes and I was scootin' off the other way. All I actually saw were about 40 wild turkeys, but they could have been snakes. Dangerous little bastards. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want Len's job. Also good advice about remaining calm if you get bitten. I'll make sure to remember that.

From: Xxxxxx, Xxx
Sent: Wednesday, May 03, 2006 1:33 PM
To: All
Subject: Rattlesnake Awareness/ALERT
Importance: High

Len Ramirez of Ramirez Rattlesnake Removal visited our campus today to educate us here at Blue Shield on rattlesnakes and the danger they bring to the El Dorado Hills Campus. Len has already removed 3 rattlesnakes from our campus this year .

Please help me help you to prevent any episodes of rattlesnake bites to us here on our campus. Below I have mentioned a few ways to bring caution ideas to you for the work place and your home.

WORK:
When you're outdoors, two people walking together are better than one. Look at your surroundings around your feet and up ahead. If, you or your colleague see a rattlesnake, one needs to keep an eye on it (at a very safe distance) and the other needs to contact security immediately. This will help security to contact Len and give him an idea where to begin his work.

Rattlesnake Havens:
Rocks are a number one source for rattlesnakes. So the next time you decide to cut corners by walking on the rocks or making shortcuts through the bark, remember, the rattlesnake is making his shortcuts too and you could be his next victim. Rattlesnakes are deaf to airborne sound but have an 18" good eyesight.

Cars: Rattlesnakes could be hovering under your car in the shade. Len has removed them from car radiators before as well (not from cars on our campus). So proceed with caution when going to lunch or leaving from work.

HOME:
Poison Oak, retaining walls & of course rocks are a snakes haven. They also can come in through your garage or door entry. Here's just a few pre-cautions you can take to prevent this.

Keep your landscaping thin, not overcrowded. Especially around the garage and the front door.
Check your garage door for gaps. If you shut your garage door and can see light on either side, seal it with weather-stripping or necessary action to remove the light.
New developments are another source of rattlesnakes because their dens have been interrupted.

DOGS:
Pets are not an exception. Red Rock Biologics is a good source to inquire how you can vaccinate your dog against fatal rattlesnake bites. (sorry, no vaccine for cats yet) Check out their website for more information at www.redrockbiologics.com
For more information on rattlesnakes & service, visit Len's website at www.ramirezrattlesnakeremoval.com

Please remember, rattlesnakes have the capability of striking at one twenty-fifth of a second. Thanks for listening and please be safe this summer season.

Len tells us if you are bitten by a rattlesnake; anywhere. Please keep calm as much as possible (the faster the adrenaline, the faster the poison will travel to the heart), keep the bite area below the heart. If alone, walk, do not run to receive help.