Copperheads @ Solar Collector

[the lurkist]

It is commonly known that copperheads are do not cause any significant morbidity to humans. For an average sized adults a copperhead envenomation mostly likely requires no treatment other than a tetanus booster if needed and monitoring of the bite wound for infection. Children, however, can become very sick.
I would guess the snake guy would not be too sympathetic to humans encroaching on snake habitat. I would say try to move them yourself. Of course, that could lead to a bite.

[Wes]

Um, these and the ones at global might be pretty visible, but I would bet *every* crag in the red has a resident copperhead / rattlesnake population. Just because you don't see them, doesn't mean they are not there! Bees, bugs, snakes, etc are part of the outside, and you cannot remove the risk by moving these snakes, though I am sure people will feel better and "safer" for the effort.

[the lurkist]

I am sure that is true. It is their home. I think they are pretty territorial. I know that there have been resident snakes in that stump in the past.

[ynot]

We tossed one down the hill once. He was back in 10 minutes.

[charlie]

They have been there for years, they will come back to that rock. Snakes are all over the gorge and there's not much anyone can do about it.

If you want to move anything, move your sally ass to the gym.

[michaelzr2]

Thes used to be a bunch of snakes living below Dog Leg at Bob Marley.

[ashtray]

asdf

[KD]

then what about the hundred others? you cant get rid of them the turret at fortress had been crawling with them for years - people jus gotta watch where they step.

[odonata]

I am sure that is true. It is their home. I think they are pretty territorial. I know that there have been resident snakes in that stump in the past.

Being totally new to the area I felt obligated to mention seeing them there because as well trafficked as that area around the base of the wall was, I was surprised to see the snakes were living there. In the state parks around where I live the snakes tend to be a bit more reclusive. The fact that a whole family of them lived in that particular spot caught us a bit by surprise. I would have felt bad if someone had gotten tagged and I didn't mention it. Getting rid of snakes in the woods is like trying to sweep sand off the beach so I don't even attempt it. But when I return to this area I'll never be as complacent as I was that morning. The fact that other climbers who visit this spot are aware of them and they are not a new addition makes me feel a little better.

The biggest snake scare I had while visiting the Red River area actually occurred earlier that day. We were working our way around the base of a wall and I jumped off a large rock into some leaves and brush below. As soon as my feet hit the ground I heard a loud buzzing and vibrating sound that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I yelled at my daughter to stop and quickly started scanning around to try and locate the rattler. But every time I turned the sound wasn't distinct enough for me to get a bead on it. But I knew it was real close.

Finally after a few seconds I realized that a bit of perfect timing and an overactive imagination had fooled me. It was actually the Blackberry in my backpack on vibrate mode rubbing against my keys and other small items in the mesh pocket that was making the sound. It's funny in retrospection but at the time I almost peed on myself.

[anticlmber]

the snakes can/will relocate if more people go there on a regular basis.during the hot summer solar dosn't get the crowds it normally does. that's why they are still there. i've seen them in early spring with some crowds but once maybe twice.
as wes said it's outside, walking up the trail you probably pass at least on or two. it's the woods. watch you kids, dogs, (good reason for them to be on a leash) and yourself. know what types of places they hang out and inspect before you act as if at home.