This two-part collection contains Rattlesnake Collection and Relocation Safety Protocols - Part 1, and Rattlesnake Collection and Relocation Safety Protocols - Part 2.
Rattlesnake Collection and Relocation Safety Protocols - Part 1 begins with a program overview of the certification process for authorization to safely capture and relocate local venomous snakes. There are two species of rattlesnake commonly found at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Recognizing the differences between these two species and the other similar looking but non-venomous snakes in our area, is important should treatment for a venomous snake bite be necessary. Part 1 includes a section on rattlesnake behavior, biology and the functions of venom. Part 1 concludes with a section on the specialized tools, specially designed snake box and personal protective equipment that is required for the safe collection and relocation of venomous snakes away from the Safari Park and to the outlying protected biological reserve areas. The final section in Part 1 focuses on safe collection and describes the process for disinfecting the tools and box and denaturing any residual venom drops from the capture of a venomous snake. Part 1 concludes with a review of how the location where a venomous snake is collected is also used to determine the corresponding release site locations on the biological reserve area of the Safari Park's property.
Rattlesnake Collection and Relocation Safety Protocols - Part 2 focuses entirely on San Diego Zoo Global's policies and protocols in the event of an envenomation. Included in this training are the Do's and Don'ts in the event an envenomation has occurred. Part 2 includes a description of physical effects of hemotoxic/neurotoxic venoms on the human body. Included within Part 2 are the required emergency actions and notifications and the location of the nearest regional hospital for treating victims of a rattlesnake envenomation.