Rattlesnake Victim Recovering

(GERING, Neb.) — A family’s vacation plans changed significantly after a 4 year old child was bitten by a rattlesnake at the Scotts Bluff National Monument on Friday, August 22nd. The family from Indiana was heading to the Tetons for vacation and decided to make a stop to break up the drive.

The family was on the walking path near the covered wagons. The little boy was on the sidewalk and either didn’t see the snake or didn’t know what is was.

We posted on the Panhandle Scanner Facebook page where many followers expressed concern, offered up prayers and discussed how to stay safe on the walking path.

The father of the boy messaged us and let us know how he’s doing. “It was a confirmed rattle snake by the park ranger. They were in the vicinity and we had an ambulance on the way almost immediately. He was air lifted to Denver Children’s and besides a swollen leg, is in great spirits. They did catch the snake though.“

We knew from scanner traffic that EMS had just finished on another call less than a minute away, so they were able to immediately respond.

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Here’s a few facts and safety tips we found as you’re hiking or working outside where snakes have been spotted.

In the spring and fall, when temperatures are moderate, rattlesnakes are often most active during the day. They will bask in sunny areas to warm up, making trails and open spaces a risk for encounters.

During the intense heat of the summer, prairie rattlesnakesare most active at dawn and dusk. They hunt for prey under the cover of darkness and seek refuge during the daytime in shady spots like rock crevices or burrows.

How to reduce your risk

Because rattlesnakes can adapt their behavior to the weather, it’s wise to be cautious whenever you are outdoors, especially during the active season from spring to fall. 

• Watch your step: Always be aware of where you are placing your hands and feet, particularly in tall grass, under bushes, or around rocks and logs.
• Use a flashlight at night: If you are walking outside after dark in snake country, use a light to see where you are going.
• Keep your distance: If you encounter a rattlesnake, back away and give it plenty of space. Do not try to kill or handle it. 

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Original Post

** Possible Rattlesnake Bite **

UPDATE : We are hoping the parents will message the page to let us know the boy’s condition. We will keep their identity anonymous to avoid the negative feedback. Many people are just very concerned and want to hear some good news.

Yesterday on the way to the hospital the boy was originally crying and distressed, but medics were able to quickly calm him down and he seemed to be fine as they arrived. This is all our speculation based on the little traffic that we heard. Please continue to pray. We hope to hear something from the family today. We sincerely appreciate everyone’s concern for this young boy.

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UPDATE : rattlesnake bite has been confirmed by medical personnel on a 4-year-old male pediatric patient.

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Scanner traffic indicates an ambulance needed at the Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center for a male with a possible rattlesnake bite. Left leg, just above the ankle. Medical is enroute.