Wildlife Awareness Needed with Summer Heat (WARNING!: Snakes, Spiders, Scorpions Shown)

Defend America News ^ | Spc. Anna-Marie Hizer

[SandRat]

Wildlife Awareness Needed with Summer Heat
Servicemembers need to be cautious and alert for animals than can cause serious injury or death.
By U.S. Army Spc. Anna-Marie Hizer 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment KIRKUK, Iraq, June 2, 2006 — Being aware of one’s surroundings is a skill soldiers constantly maintain and seek to improve. However, one potential hazard for troops in Northern Iraq may be easily missed. And it is right under their feet. "Prevention is the best cure. Use common sense; don’t put your hands in places that could house a snake." U.S. Army Maj. Ken Brooks Temperatures in Iraq are rising steadily, and with the heat come more wildlife sharing land -- and living space -- with their human counterparts. One type of critter that Iraq has no shortage of is reptiles. Many soldiers have probably seen the small yellow lizards climbing walls or scurrying along walkways. These harmless dune geckos are a common sight throughout much of the Middle East -- but not all desert-dwelling reptiles are so benign. One critter that has been found on Forward Operating Base Warrior is the Kurdistan Viper. This snake produces hemotoxic venom which destroys blood cells, causes tissue damage and can cause internal hemorrhaging in bite victims. In addition, Saw-Scaled Vipers, another serpent found across Iraq, have been spotted on the FOB. These vipers are considered the most toxic of the group and present the greatest potential for severe tissue damage and hemorrhage. Of course, as with most snakes, they will try to escape human contact without having to use their venom -- which not only kills prey, but also aids in digestion. But in some circumstances, when the animal feels cornered or threatened, it will strike. “Prevention is the best cure,” said Army Maj. Ken Brooks, physician’s assistant, Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. “Use common sense; don’t put your hands in places that could house a snake.” In addition, Brooks said one surefire way to attract snakes to living quarters is having food lying around. “Food attracts [rodents],” he said, “vermin attract snakes.” Camel Spiders, which are not actually spiders at all, belong to the family Solifugae. Temperatures in Iraq are rising steadily, and with the heat come more wildlife sharing land -- and living space -- with their human counterparts. Servicemembers should be aware of their surroundings. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Juan Vara Iraq has four species of scorpions which include black-tailed and yellow scorpions. The most dangerous of these is the death stalker scorpion. The Death Stalker Scorpion may be small, but it is the most toxic scorpion on earth. In general, scorpions with slim and narrow pincers are equipped with more toxic venom. Courtesy photo	The Kurdistan Viper is one several venomous snakes in Iraq. Temperatures are rising steadily, and with the heat come more wildlife sharing land -- and living space -- with their human counterparts. Servicemembers should be aware of their surroundings. Courtesy photo If snakes are not enough, Iraq also boasts a collection of deadly scorpions. Death Stalker Scorpions, perhaps the most toxic type of scorpions on earth, along with Fat-Tailed Scorpions, roam the Iraqi desert, usually preying on insects and small lizards. However, these invertebrates occasionally show up in human habitats. “You leave your boots on the ground, your clothing on the ground [they want to get where it’s cool],” said Air Force Maj. Armando Rosales, Public Health Officer, 506th Expeditionary Medical Squadron. “Make sure you shake everything out and check … and watch where you’re stepping.” In addition to snakes and scorpions, the Middle East is home to another bug -- one that is infamous among service members and is also highly misunderstood. Camel Spiders have spawned many rumors within the military over decades of service in the Middle East. However, the majority of these stories are untrue. Camel Spiders, which are not actually spiders at all, belong to the family Solifugae. They are not dangerous to humans and pose no threat to camels, either. Their bite can be painful, due to the animal’s large chelicerae, which are used to crush and chew smaller arthropods such as spiders and scorpions, but they have no ‘paralytic venom,’ as some rumors suggest. Both Rosales and Brooks agree that the chance of being bitten or stung is slim; however, service members should be aware of where they are walking and where they place their hands. Additionally, Brooks noted personnel should walk to showers and latrines in full shoes -- not flip-flops or sandals. Another risk some people take is actively playing with dangerous animals. Making scorpions fight or trying to make a viper the company mascot is not only against regulations, but could also lead to serious injury. Not all Iraq’s reptiles are venomous. But to play it safe, Rosales said people should leave any ectothermic or arthropod critters alone. If an individual does happen to find the wrong end of a scorpion or snake, the first thing to remember is to remain calm. Panicking increases heart rate, which speeds up the circulation of venom through the system. Next the person should try and ice the site and bandage it. But, as Rosario warns, do not attempt to treat the bite yourself. “You definitely don’t want to do any home remedies like cutting the wound open and sucking out the venom,” he said. “” A home remedy can do more harm than good, by envenomating both individuals." He also said the victim or a buddy should try to identify the animal or bug. This way, medical personnel can have a better idea of how to treat the bite, and what, if any, antivenin is needed. So while scorpions, snakes and spiders do not pose the daily threat troops are used to in the desert, everyone should be aware of what is out there, especially things that could lurk in an overturned boot.

[SandRat]

Not suited or recommended for those with Phobias of Snakes, Spiders, or Scorpions.

[nmh]

That place sounds like a real hell hole.

[TightyRighty]

Jeez, not only are their people creepy - so are their bugs!

[Ax]

In all my time in the middle east, I've never seen any of those brutes. A buddy of mine was deployed with the 24th ID during Desert Shield/Storm said that they passed the long months in the desert garrison by holding scorpion races. I saw my first scorpion in my living in room in Havana. After my heart went back where it belonged, I picked up a running shoe and beat the monster to death. Never did break the shell. Biggest spider I ever saw was in Cuba as well. It was about the size of my hand. Saw a bunch of cobras at Clark Air Base in the Philippines.

[Muazzez]

Listen to me! I am close to Iraq, and an expert in reptiles. And that snake is NOT a Kurdistan viper! This is dangerously misleading for people in Iraq. One may stumble upon the real Kurdistan viper and be bitten, thinking its harmless. The snake in the photo is acually "Coluber ventromaculatus"(Hardwicke's rat snake), a harmless colubrid. The real Kurdistan viper is "Vipera raddei kurdistanica", or just "Vipera raddei". Google both these scientific names of the snakes, you will see I'm correct. You should change the photo. This is important.
Heres a photo of the Kurdistan viper;
http://www.herppi.net/gallery/displayimage.php?album=topn&cat=-9&pos=61

[txhurl]

I've always been thankful God didn't give scorpions wings. I'd have to leave Texas if that was the case. Mine just like to drop on me at night from the ceiling.

[Jhensy]

Man, camel spiders are the nastiest SOBs on earth. Big too. Check out this video of one eating a lizard:

Yuk

[SandRat]

Sounds like you need to get word to U.S. Army Spc. Anna-Marie Hizer that she made a BIG, BIG, error.

[SandRat]

eeeeewwwwww!!!!!