Hiking in Red Rock Canyon? These tips can keep you, pets safe

Hikers make their method along the Pine Creek Canyon trail in the Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area in 2020. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal).
After Red Rock Canyon tweeted a picture this month of a Panamint rattlesnake identified at the conservation area's visitor center, many might be fretted about their security while exploring Southern Nevada's preservation and recreation areas.

John Asselin, public affairs expert for the Bureau of Land Management, shared some pointers on how to keep you and your pets safe while treking in the desert in areas like Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Keep family pets on a leash.

Asselin said pets ought to be kept on a leash. In Clark County, pets should be on a leash unless they are in a designated canine park area.

Asselin stated utilizing a leash while exploring tracks can prevent your pet from being assaulted or attacking animals in the area, like little rodents.

" Dogs wonder. They're going to be nosing around in bushes, and if there's a venomous snake in there, the pet is going to get bit," he stated.

Red Rock Canyon does not have a vet on staff, so if your pet is attacked in the sanctuary, it's up to you to get your canine off the trail, out of the park and to an animal health center as rapidly as possible.

" We have Mojave green snakes out there. They're rather venomous," Asselin said. "They have 2 different venoms in them that work quite quickly.".

The smaller sized the pet, the much faster the venom can travel through their system and possibly turn lethal. Mojave green snakes have the most powerful venom of any rattlesnake worldwide - - one almost eliminated a 6-year-old young boy in California in 2012.

Do not be reluctant to bring your furry friends to the preservation location. Snake attacks at Red Rock Canyon are very unusual, he said.

Bring lots of water, and don't trek alone.

Though lots of people fret about prospective animal attacks, Asselin stated the animal that's the most significant threat to you when you're out hiking is yourself.

Even throughout the winter season, Southern Nevada's dryness can leave you dehydrated.

" The air just draws that water right out of your body," he stated. "So you have to bring a great deal of water with you - - more than you think you would need. When you start truly getting into hotter months, you really require more water than you can bring for a trip that's more than a mile, because it simply leaves so quickly.".

Because your danger of getting dehydrated is so great, do not go hiking alone. You might not be able to tell when you're reaching the threat zone for heat-related illness, but your buddies will.

" You might be feeling a bit tired but believe you're okay - - the people around you will discover because you'll begin acting differently," Asselin said.

Victims of heat stroke, unlike heat exhaustion, can experience confusion, irritability and slurred speech, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Heat stroke also has more serious repercussions than heat fatigue and can trigger special needs or death without first aid.

Use correct clothes (and keep your clothing on).

You may want to remain poolside instead of venturing out into the desert if you're traveling to Las Vegas and strategy to bring just your flip-flops.

Lots of desert trails involve slippery rocks. One bad action, and you could twist an ankle or fall.

" Good, not slippery footwear and water are the two essential things" to induce a hike, Asselin stated.

When temperatures rise above 95 degrees, he likewise advises hiding as much skin as possible with long-sleeved shirts, long trousers and hats.

" I understand that seems detrimental, once you start getting those temperatures here where it's hotter than the core temperature level in your body, that heat when you're exposing your skin (is) not heading out - - it's can be found in.".

Using long-sleeved t-shirts and trousers permits the layer of sweat on your skin to remain cool, rather than vaporizing right away, which prevents it from cooling you down.

For less-experienced hikers who desire recommendations on where to trek in Red Rock Canyon, particularly as temperature levels increase, Asselin stated you can constantly talk with an employee at the visitor center for assistance.

Contact Taylor Lane at tlane@reviewjournal.com. Follow @tmflane on Twitter.