Hi Stuntzi,
sei vorsichtig, die Wüste ist gefährlich.
Die Schlange war mit ziemlicher Sicherheit eine Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox). Das Muster kurz vor der Rassel ist charakteristisch für diese Art.
* Up to 66" long
* Largest rattlesnake in the West
* Responsible for more bites and deaths to humans than any other rattlesnake species in U.S.
Daten sind vom Arizona Game and Fish Department:
http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/arizona-rattlesnakes.shtml#1
Du solltest auch die Skorpione in Arizona nicht unterschätzen. Die sind zwar nicht so tödlich wie rattlesnakes, aber einige Arten machen auch den Besuch beim Dok unumgänglich.
Happy riding und pass auf dich auf!
Norbert
Hier noch etwas für Berglöwen-Begegnungen:
If you encounter a mountain lion:
* Do not approach the animal. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
* Stay calm and speak loudly and firmly.
* Do not run from a mountain lion. Running may stimulate a mountain lions instinct to chase. Stand and face the animal. Make eye contact.
* Appear larger. Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you are wearing one. Throw stones, branches, or whatever you can reach without crouching or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly. The idea is to convince the lion that you are not easy prey and that you may be a danger to it.
* Maintain eye contact and slowly back away toward a building, vehicle, or busy area.
* Protect small children so they wont panic and run.
*
Fight back if attacked. Many potential victims have fought back successfully with rocks, sticks, caps, jackets, garden tools, their bare hands, and even mountain bikes. Since a mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the animal.
* Report all mountain lion attacks to 911. Report all mountain lion encounters and attacks, plus sightings in urban areas, to your local Arizona Game and Fish Department office (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday excluding holidays). Also, call Game and Fish if severe property damage has occurred or if there is possession of a live mountain lion. After hours and weekends, a radio dispatcher is available at (623) 236-7201.