The Borderland was hit by Flooding
Now the critters are coming out!
The El Paso Zoo advises: Don’t touch the snakes!

The El Paso Zoo wants to advise El Pasoans that snakes and bugs, and other creatures displaced by the floods could be coming out on the streets – and to avoid them. Animals you might see now include rattlesnakes, spiders such as tarantulas, scorpions, ants, rodents (such as rats & mice) coyotes, foxes, feral dogs.



VENOMOUS SNAKE SAFETY – PREVENTION TIPS:
If you live in the city, you don’t have to worry so much about being bitten by a snake because you’re unlikely to see one. However, if you live near arroyos or mountainsides - you're more likely to encounter a snake. Most rattlesnakes are nocturnal – meaning they come out at night. NEVER walk around at night without a flashlight. Never touch a dead snake – it might not be dead. Some dead snakes have a reflex action and could still bite you. Don’t try to get a snake to rattle, or poke it with a stick. Don’t walk through tall grass or shrubs unless you have to or are wearing commercial snakebite-proof boots. Don’t swim in water where there are known venomous snakes.



Snake-Proof Your Home:
Keep areas free of brush & trash
Remove piles of boards & rocks, roofing materials (cover for snakes)
Fill in animal holes
Mow your lawn frequently

WEST TEXAS REGIONAL POISON CONTROL CENTER: 1(800) 222-1222
What do you do if you get bit?
Get to the nearest Emergency Room
Don't do what they do in the movies - put on a tourniquet. Instead let it drain; don't suck out the poison, venom travels through the lymph system. Tie a light band - but not like a tourniquet...just enough to stop the flow under the skin, then go to the ER.
DO NOT try to capture the snake - A visual description of the snake is helpful!