BAJA BAD GUYS

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Photos taken from WWW.Central Pets.com and www.Oceanlight.com

SCORPION

Related to spiders and ticks, scorpion are commonly thought to be desert dwellers but can occur in grasslands and forests and caves as well.

They grow from five to eight inches long, tail included, and live from three to fifteen years. 25-30 young are produced at completion of a gestation period which can last from several months to a year. Centruoides, yellow or brownish-yellow with dark longitudinal stripes, average only around three inches in length yet are the most dangerous. Their sting is immediately painful to the touch and will likely require treatment with an antitoxin.

Scorpions are nocturnal with terrible eyesight. Some species don't even have eyes. In general, it is believed they are unable to perceive anything they can't touch. All have fine sensory hairs which detect nearby vibrations, thus signaling either danger or food are near at hand.

You can discourage their presence best by eliminating their habitat. Stone or wood piles or any leftover construction debris offer them attractive housing and should be removed from your premises. Wear heavy shoes and gloves while working in these environments. Develop the habit of shaking out bedding and shoes before use.

Some victms report the scorpion bite no worse than a bee sting, others have experienced a mild localized skin reaction with burning pain and swelling. Application of ice can be helpful, at times a victim may require pain medication. Most dangerous to the very young or old watch for heart or respitory problems which may occur some hours following the encounter.

RATTLESNAKE

The California rattler is the most common reptile on the Baja, more numerous further south of San Felipe but it is wise to watch for them here also. Coloring ranges from tan to dark brown to silver gray. They are rather small, generally two feet in length, with a small narrow head and large eyes. They prefer to inhabit dry rocky areas where cacti are found.

Mating occurs in the spring. From 4 to 25 eggs carried by the female will hatch internally and produce nine or ten young about ten inches in length. Independent of the mother from birth, the babies will remain in the immediate area for seven to ten days, shedding their first skin and developing their first rattle. The litter then begins to disperse in search of food.

These babies have venom and short fangs and are dangerous from birth. Whereas an adult will normally try to withdraw when disturbed, the young are easily alarmed. They will take a defensive pose and strike repeatedly when feeling threatened.

The rattler hibernates during winter months and is rather secretive in his summer activities, seldom traveling more than a mile from the winter den he has shared with others. He hunts at night and remains inactive for 2 ot 3 days after a hearty meal of mice, squirrels or lizards.

Remain watchful whenever outdoors, paying attention to placement of hands and feet. Very few people, if observant, are ever actually bitten. If you become one of those few allow the bite to bleed freely for 15-30 seconds, then cleanse. Apply direct, hard pressure on the wound site using a guaze pad soaked in iodine or Betadine. If you can, wrap the area to immobilize it, not so tight as to block circulation. Keep all movement to a minimum and seek immediate medical attention.

JELLYFISH

These gelatinous, bell shaped creatures have tentacles armed with millions of microscopic stinging devices used to kill or defend through paralysis of their enemy. Even an invisible portion of the tentacle can sting as you accidentally brush against it while swimming. Less commonly, you may step on one while walking on the beach. The resulting sting can be merely annoying or unpleasantly painful depending on the species and the number of stings you receive. Probably your encounter will raise red welts along the area of contact.

Rinse the burned patch with seawater and wash liberaly with vinegar or a paste of meat tenderizer and you shoud manage well.

STINGRAY

The Sea of Cortez is thought to serve as a nursery for a diverse assemblage of stingrays. Several species are found here ranging in size from 2 to 7 foot across. The round or California Ray and the Bullseye are most prevalent close to shore and therefore most likely to cause injury. They are also of lesser size than their cou

mouth of the ray is on the underside, with two plates for crushing shells. They will dine on crab, prawns, anything meaty. To gather food they cruise the shallows, propellig themselves along by rippling their winglike sides. Using their body as a plunger t uncover food buried in the sand, they prefer to feed frequently through the day.

Locally, their back may be black, brown or spotted, their bellies white or yellow. They prefer to habitat shallow, sandy areas of the sea. Non-aggressive, rays rarely encounter trouble with other marie animals and will avoid humans if allowed to. Their natural habit of burrowing into the sand during low tide leads to the most trouble for swimmers or divers who inadvertenty step on them. Their docile hiding habit has also earned them the nickname of aquatic landmine, for if stepped on they instintively fire their stinger. Stings will often land on the ankle or lower leg and penetration of leather or rubber is common. Do not expect footwear to offer full protection, though of course it is encouraged. Your best course is to stay out of the water at low tide and shuffle your feet through the underlying sand any time you walk in the water, to warn of your approach.

Medical treatment suggested by the Club Cruceros is to immediately wash the wound with fresh water, sterile if available, but don't delay. Remove any obvious debris from the wound which is usually a deep slice, and immerse it in water as hot as can be tolerated, without burning. Continue for 90 minutes, refreshing the water as it cools. Elevate the wound and cover with a sterile dressing. Local druggists can recommend a good antibiotic which should be taken for ten days after injury.

Should infection, irregular breathing, nausea, excessive swelling or loss of alertness occur following encouners with any of the above, seek medical attention.