MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, Calif. - Encountering different animals and creatures in the High Desert isn’t uncommon, especially as the weather gets warmer, but knowing the difference between what will harm an individual and what will not … could save a life.
According to californiadesert.gov, High Desert residents are encouraged to take the time to learn about the desert wildlife who share the environment in order to co-exist safely.
Some of the wildlife that call the Mojave Desert home are desert tortoises, roadrunners, scorpions, black widows, sidewinder rattlesnakes, and Mojave green rattlesnakes.
Out of the many unique creatures found in the High Desert habitat, one must be especially watchful for scorpions, venomous snakes and the black widow spider.
Most scorpion stings are not fatal to humans: their stingers are made simply to paralyze their prey.
There is however one kind of scorpion, albeit rare, with venom potent enough to kill a human. This is the bark scorpion, the smallest and most venomous of its kind.
The scorpion is a nocturnal creature, so any exploring done at night, should be done cautiously.
During the day, snakes tend to linger in shaded areas. They can be found under rocks, brush and trees where people sometimes rest. They are also most active at sunrise and sunset because the sun isn’t at its peak, said Dr. Mike Glassey, the post entomologist on National Training Center Fort Irwin.
"The animals to be worried about the most are rattlesnakes," said Glassey.
Glassey explained any snake can bite if disturbed or scared, but among the snakes in the High Desert the sidewinder and Mojave green rattlesnake are the most venomous.
The sidewinder can be identified by its horn-like scales above its eyes. Also, it is very hard to spot in sand if a person is running by because of its light tan scales and dark patches. The Mojave green rattlesnake has a green tint to its scales and can grow more than three feet in length and is very aggressive.
Even though snakes are known for biting people, they are just as scared of humans as humans are of them, said Glassey.
However, snakes are not the only critters people have to worry about, Glassey added. There are small critters that live inside houses that people have to be aware of, as well.
"Black widows are a real problem for domestic places," Glassey said. "They like to hide in dark, cool places such as sheds, closets, and sometimes in children's toys."
The best way to prevent an injury from a black widow is to observe entrances and inspect toys before they are used, said Glassey.
"Medical treatment for someone who has been bitten by a critter out in the desert is crucial,” said Eric Henderson, a firefighter and paramedic with Marine Corps Emergency Services on Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow. “It could be life or death for them.”
Using the buddy system when exploring the High Desert is paramount, added Henderson.
The chances of someone surviving a potentially fatal injury or bite increases with the use of the buddy system and proper planning.
People should also do some route reconnaissance before traveling, explained Henderson.
That way if something were to happen, familiarization with the route and terrain would help emergency services personnel find the exact location.
High Desert critters are everywhere in the Mojave, expressed Glassey. So the chances of coming across one aren't unheard of, however, preparing for a potential encounter will decrease the chance of being seriously injured.
Now, not all of the critters that inhabit the desert are fatal, most have unique characteristics that help them survive in the Mojave.
One of the creatures indigenous to the High Desert is the desert tortoise.
The desert tortoise can live in temperatures that exceed 140 degrees F, because of its innate ability to dig underground and escape the blazing heat.
The federal government lists the desert tortoise as an endangered species, mostly due to humans interfering with their habitat. According to www.desertusa.com/deserttortoise, it is unlawful to touch, harm, harass or collect a wild desert tortoise.
Like the tortoise, the population of roadrunners is diminishing due to development in the High Desert.
Roadrunners normally build nests with large sticks in the trees found in the desert. However, more recently, they have been nesting in the eaves and garages of man-made structures as stated on the californiadesert.gov website.
Visitors and residents of the High Desert are encouraged to avoid contact with any animals to prevent the change in animal instincts or habits.
For more summer safety tips, look for the next part in The Prospector’s 101 Days of Summer safety series.
| Date Taken: | 06.27.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 06.27.2013 14:28 |
| Story ID: | 109385 |
| Location: | BARSTOW , CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,241 |
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This work, Spiders, tortoises, scorpions ... oh my!, by LCpl Norman Eckles, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
