April typically an active month for Arizona rattlesnakes
PHOENIX With more people getting outdoors to take advantage of the state’s warm, spring weather, it’s important to keep in mind that 13 species of rattlesnakes also call Arizona home.
Depending on location, the species that are encountered most often are the Western diamondback, sidewinder, Mojave and black-tailed rattlesnakes.
“Arizona has more rattlesnake species than any other state, and we can all celebrate that amazing biodiversity,” said Thomas Jones, amphibians and reptiles program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
In warm desert areas, rattlesnakes are most active from March through October. During the spring, it’s not uncommon for rattlesnakes to be out during daylight hours. As the days become increasingly hot, though, usually around early May, rattlesnakes tend to move around more at night.
In recent months, families have turned to nature for inspiration and exploration. While in many ways outdoor adventure can translate into wide open spaces and a safe haven, itâs important that our skills, gear and intel are up to speed. Here are five ideas to consider:
1. Use caution in the backcountry
Whether you venture into the backcountry via skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles, itâs important to be well-informed and fully prepared.
Check the forecast before you head out and take note of any changes in weather that might create unstable snow conditions. Be aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout for temperature and wind shifts as well as cracking or collapsing snow. Better yet, sign the crew up for an online avalanche or backcountry training course to maximize your collective skills and knowledge base.
Instead, I want to do a Top 10 list of the most downloaded
The list is based upon the number of downloads as captured by Libsyn.
So let’s get started…
10. Dengue in 2019, the vaccines and the quest for a World Dengue Day–recorded Jan. 24, 2020.
In this interview, I spoke to Co-Founder and Communications Director of the International Society for Neglected Tropical Diseases (ISNTD), Kamran Rafiq about dengue fever in 2019, one of the worst years on record for dengue worldwide.
9. Poison Control Centers: Fielding calls on everything from snakebites to coronavirus–recorded May 18, 2020.
Associate professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, clinical toxicologist and medical director of the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, Dr. Mazda Shirazi talked to me about what is poison control and the role of Poison control centers.