When the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra committed suicide by allowing herself to be bitten by an asp-more specifically, an Egyptian cobra-she was letting herself be killed by an animal of great symbolic power, one that is found on the headpieces of the pharaohs. From the wreath of snakes around the Hindu god Siva’s neck to the snake crawling up the caduceus, snakes have inspired and terrorized humans for thousands of years, representing everything from omniscience to temptation.
That said, they don’t have many fans. Indiana Jones’s dislike of the slithery creatures-also known as ophidiophobia-is well documented and, according to his memoirs, dates to his youth, when he tumbled into a tank full of snakes while being chased by looters on a train traveling through Utah. As luck would have it, he encountered thousands of the reptiles-including the king cobra-while interred against his will in the Well of Souls in Tanis, Egypt, with Marion Ravenwood.
Snakes are found in virtually every corner of the world, and if fieldwork is going to be a major part of your career, snakes are very likely to cross your path at some point. Many of the tombs and tunnels we explore have been purposely seeded with snakes to protect the precious, and sometimes revered, contents from vandals and looters. This works more often than not. Just the same, ophidiophobe or not, you have to be able to maintain your calm around these creatures. Here are some pointers.
1. KNOW THE LOCALS.
Many snakes-most, really-are harmless. Of course, some of the more deadly species are so-called because they are quite aggressive. It is in your best interest to know what the primary species are in the region to which you will be traveling and how to identify them. When excavating in Egypt, for example, you can expect to hear a lot about venomous asps, another name for the Egyptian cobra. In India, you may encounter the king cobra, the largest venomous snake in the world.
2. BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS.
Some snakes like to live in trees, whereas others prefer holes in the ground, swamps, or a warm, toasty rock. When walking through the grass, beat the bushes with a walking stick or staff to alert snakes to your presence. Take particular care when lifting rocks, and always wear protective gloves before thrusting your hands into a dark, closed, or otherwise obscured orifice.
3. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE.
One of the techniques that snake charmers use-and that you, too, can employ-is to stay out of striking range. In the case of a cobra, that is roughly one-third of the snake’s length. In the case of a fifteen-foot king cobra, however, that’s at least five feet.
4. WATCH YOUR EYES.
Snakebite is not the only thing to fear. Even if you can put some distance between yourself and the snake, some cobras can spray their venom farther than their striking range. It will temporarily blind you if it comes in contact with your eyes, which makes it rather difficult to continue defending yourself.
5. DRESS FOR THE OCCASION.
Although she never could have anticipated being sealed inside the snakeridden Well of Souls, Marion Ravenwood’s ensemble is a perfect example of what not to wear to a snake fest. Open-toed shoes or sneakers are obviously not a good idea on an expedition, no matter how high the mercury rises. Boots that cover your ankles and have steel-reinforced toes are ideal.
6. MOVE SLOWLY.
Most snakes do not want to come in contact with humans. We’re sure you feel the same way. In close quarters, however, it is best not to make any sudden movements that may appear threatening, especially if an aggressive snake, such as a king cobra, is upright and its hood is spread. Do as Indy did: Simply back away slowly until you have reached a safe distance.
7. FIRE IT UP.
If you’re stuck in a pit full of snakes, it’s no time for modesty. Fashion a torch from anything available-and that includes clothing, bones, etc. If you have ignored the previous advice to dress appropriately, a little lace number like the one Belloq gave to Marion fans a fine flame. Waving a torch or other flame-bearing device at snakes can sometimes help keep them at bay; other times it just makes them really mad. Also keep in mind that under cold weather conditions it can backfire, and the snakes may actually be drawn to the heat source. If the snakes are a definite threat, your only option may be to douse them with a petrochemical and ignite them. Do so under only the most extreme circumstances, and keep in mind that the burning reptiles may flee in your direction-and they won’t be happy.
IF YOU’RE BITTEN
Some snakes have highly toxic venom but are very skittish and unlikely to come in contact with humans. Others may be less venomous by comparison but are much more likely to attack, delivering large quantities of venom in a single bite. Although the cobra’s venom is certainly not the deadliest, it is capable of delivering high volumes of venom in a single bite. One bite can be enough to kill an elephant. Many snake venoms contain neurotoxins and/or hemotoxins that attack both the nervous system and the body’s tissues. In short, you need to get medical attention as soon as possible. If you are entombed against your will, it will be difficult to head to the nearest emergency room, so proceed as follows:
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- Do your best to keep the area immobile. It may be advisable to devise a splint for the bitten area.
- To keep the venom from spreading, wrap the area several inches above the bite to slow the spread, but DO NOT cut off circulation or apply a tourniquet.
- DO NOT apply ice.
- You can make attempts to remove the venom. However, the suck and-spit method is rarely effective, and it might endanger the individual doing the sucking and spitting. It also increases the possibility of infection, since the mouth houses a potpourri of bacteria. If someone in your group has a first-aid kit with a syringe that has a suction attachment, use it. Some apothecaries in rural areas also sell small, simple suction devices that you can carry in your rucksack. Again, these devices and various venom-removal techniques have mixed results. Your time would be better spent finding a medical facility that can administer antivenom.
Remember, snake meat is eaten in various corners of the world, so if you do manage to corral a snake, you may want to make a meal out of it. Cook it first, though, since eating raw snake meat may lead to parasitic infections with potentially fatal complications. After all, if you’ve survived an encounter with a live snake, why risk being harmed by a dead one?
May 24th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
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July 10th, 2010 at 5:19 pm
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