Frostbite describes the condition that occurs when skin and underlying body tissues freeze as a result of exposure to cold. When skin and body tissues freeze, the water contained in each cell expands. Healthy warm cells are very elastic, but freezing cells are rigid. The result? As body tissue fluid freezes and expands, the cells split open, much like an over-filled container placed in the freezer. The cellular damage that results from frostbite can lead to severe disfiguration and even death.

 Frostbite can occur anytime the environmental temperature or the wind chill drops below freezing, 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Uncovered areas of the body are most likely to suffer, with the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes most often affected. Frostbite can set in very slowly, or very quickly depending on how long the skin is exposed to the cold and how cold and windy it is. It cannot be emphasised strongly enough that frostbite need not happen even at extremes of altitude, temperature and fatigue: frequently a degree of carelessness is the chief cause.

 Frostbite occurs in three stages; frostnip, superficial frostbite, and deep frostbite. The initial stage is called frostnip. The skin turns unusually white and soft and will have a pins and needles feeling. This can easily be treated by blowing warm breath on the frost-nipped area or soaking the area in warm water.

 Superficial frostbite occurs when the skin freezes and ice crystals form inside the skin cells, but the tissue underneath remains flexible. The skin turns yellow-grey, painless, numb and leathery or waxy to the touch. Upon warming, the area will turn red and painful as blood flow to the area returns to normal. A few hours after thawing the tissue swells and during the first two days giant blisters form. Try not to break them. These blisters settle during the first week leaving tissue hideously discoloured, and if gangrenous, shrunken and black. This carapace, or shell separates in several weeks. If the frostbite is superficial, pink new skin will appear beneath the carapace: if deep, the end of a toe or finger will gradually separate off - an unsightly but usually painless process.

 In deep frostbite the tissue is hard, white and obviously frozen, like a piece of chicken from a freezer. This is the most serious type of frostbite because it affects the blood vessels, muscles, nerves, tendons and even bone. It can lead to permanent damage, blood clots and sometimes gangrene, which is the death and decay of body tissues. In deep frostbite, the affected areas become completely numb to all feeling and remain cool and splotchy or blue after warming. The frost-bitten area will turn black and hard. The skin surrounding the area may swell up and stay swollen for a month or longer. If gangrene develops, amputation of the finger or limb may be necessary.

 If you suspect frostbite, seek shelter. Remove wet, constrictive clothing and place the frostbitten area in direct skin-to-skin contact with a warm area on the victim or a buddy. Seek immediate medical attention to prevent infection and possible loss of a limb. Even with deep frostbite, if medical treatment is prompt, most frozen limbs may be saved.

Note: Do not rewarm a frostbite injury if it could refreeze during evacuation.
           Do not rewarm frostbitten feet if victim must walk for medical treatment.

 Frostbite can usually be prevented by using caution in extreme cold weather. Layer your clothing. Many layers of thin clothing are warmer than one bulky layer. Air spaces trap body warmth close to the skin, insulating the body against the cold. Wear two or three pairs of socks instead of one heavy pair, for example, and wear roomy shoes. Cover all possible body surfaces. Wear a hat, ear muffs, a scarf and mittens. Don't drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes. Alcohol dilates blood vessels, causing the body to lose heat quickly. Smoking slows down blood circulation to the extremities. Keep dry. Wet clothing is 20 times less warm than dry clothing. If you know that you are going to be out in the cold for any length of time, it is always wise to carry extra clothing with you.

 Pay attention to the warning signs of frostbite so you can prevent or treat it promptly. Remember the lower the temperature, the greater the risk of injury. Even if it is not very cold outside, high winds can reduce temperatures to dangerously low levels, making frostbite more of a danger. Also, people who have experienced frostbite need to be even more careful because they are more likely to suffer from it again. Other factors that may make a person more likely to get frostbite include being wet, exhausted, intoxicated by alcohol, taking certain medicines or drugs, smoking, diabetes and poor circulation.

 Much like your Monday through Friday life, Backwoods Adventures carry risks. By learning about these risks and taking preventive measures, you can minimize your chance for trouble and get maximum pleasure out of your outdoor adventures. Until next time...Maggie B.

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About How To Catch, Kill, Clean, Cook And Eat A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, But Were Afraid To Ask - Part 4

  Mating and Reproduction

 Probably no subject has been of more speculation in Crotalus atrox than that of its mating and reproduction. Studies indicate that maturity is related to body length rather than age of the snake. Generally, the snake is mature for breeding purposes when the snake has reached a length of 35 inches (90cm). The western diamondback reproduces biennially. The mating sequence is as follows: The male uses his tongue to sense the presence of the female. The male then approaches the female and the male's body begins to jerk spasmodically at the rate of approximately 1 per second. As the male begins to approach the female, his spasmodic rhythm increases to approximately 2 per second. The male brings his entire body next to the female and begins to bring his body next to hers. This entire process may take some time. When their bodies are aligned, the hemipenis of the male is inserted (and this is not an easy process) into the female and the female begins a rhythmic movement. Coitus may last from 15 minutes to 8 hours. Females give live birth to approximately 10 young. It is possible that the female western diamondback may exhibit maternal behavior. At one time, a female western diamondback was found next to a pit fall in which a small western diamondback was found.

Rattlesnake Roundups

 Rattlesnake competitions differ from locale to locale. The methods of catching a rattlesnake also differ primarily because the object in a competition is not necessarily to kill the snake, but to either sack it or otherwise keep it alive for retrieving venom which is used to make antivenin. This can be done with a box trap, "pinner" or tongs. The trap is much like a crab trap. It has one small opening where the snake is baited and enters. Once in the trap, the snake can't find his way out. The tongs are similar to the ones used in your kitchen but are larger and longer. The "pinner" is described below. This is not to say that no rattlesnakes are killed at a competition. Indeed, in Sharon Springs, Kansas a rattlesnake contest is held with one of its purposes to introduce tourist to the wonderful taste of rattlesnake meat. One of the more interesting competitions is held in Taylor, Texas sponsered by the Taylor Jaycees. It is an annual event which has been held for the last 40 years. The contest objective is to "sack" 10 rattlesnakes in the shortest period of time. The tool you use to handle the rattlesnake is called a "pinner". It is about 24" long with a hook on the end. You immobilize the snake with the pinner (basically pinning the snake to the ground) and then pick the snake up with your hand and sack it. The fastest sacker two out of three times is the winner. There is a penalty for harming the snake and there is a 5 second penalty for being bit! For more information, visit their website at www.taylorjaycees.org. Or you may call the Taylor Chamber of Commerce at (512) 352-6364 for more information.

About the author:
 Jason D. Hunter is 43 years old. He practices immigration law in Harlingen, Texas with Rose Marie DeLeon and Thelma O. Garcia. He is married to Denise and has two children, Adam and Benjamin. Jason and Adam hunt between fifteen and twenty times a year for a variety of Texas game. Benjamin has a disability which precludes him from hunting, but has enjoyed in the feast. In addition to hunting, Jason enjoys bay fishing in the Laguna Madre.

 Backwoods Bound wants to thank Jason for this informative article on western diamondback rattlesnakes. Backwoods Bound also reminds everyone that rattlesnakes can be dangerous and caution should be used. Be sure to check with your state conservation departments about the rules governing rattlesnakes. In some states they are protected and killing one could land you in big trouble.

ANSWER TO BACKWOODS TRIVIA:   We probably had you saying the poem in your head or searching through your children's books to find out which one it was. Well the answer is Rudolph. We know, it was kind of a trick question but what the hey.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

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