oilfield driving job question

I've seen 5 rattlers in the past 3 weeks, one of them was a close encounter. We both noticed each other at the same time, he was about 8 feet away. As soon as we both realized we had no interest in bothering each other, we went our separate ways. Saw another one that a rig crew coaxed from beneath a pump jack slab. They chased it out and killed it. They were going to be working on that well for a few days and couldn't afford the risk of stepping in the wrong place at the wrong time.

All the rattlers I've seen so far appear to be the smaller species. Haven't seen any of the larger, more aggressive western diamond backs yet.

 

http://www.desertmuseum.org/books/audio/western_diamondback.mp3

 

I don't know anything about this company but it might be worth calling them.

Nicholas Services 620-930-7511 Alva,Ok

They have an ad in the local paper $17-19.50 hr. oilfield drivers

http://news.mywebpal.com/index.cfm?pnpid=348

 

Few snake picks here for entertainment. I don't believe everything I see or read but in south Texas I have personally seen a couple rattlers the size of the one near the bottom that says Odessa rattler. I haven't seen any that size in west Texas but doesn't mean there isn't a healthy population of them.


http://www.snakeboots.com/snakepic.htm

Indigo snakes are good to have around. Look where this rattler was hanging out. http://www.snakeboots.com/blue_indigo.htm

I have read about the gate guards set up at gates going into oilfields dealing with some big rattlers. Most of those are in south Texas.

Can't be too careful around the gates, tank batteries, and disposal sites.

 

I mean, just learn what ya can on yer job, ie. if yer a vac truck driver, learn to do transfers, bottoms etc. If ya can, try spending time on a kill, or winch truck.


One more thing about the snakes, they say round here that they aren't even rattlin much, due to the hogs, so now ya gotta be even more careful.

But just keep this in mind: That snake ya saw, was a stick...and that stick ya saw, was a snake.

 

wow did you see the size of some of those rattlers? im not the passing out type or the running away screaming type of dude but uh That nest or den of rattlers pic really would spook me as well. The fields look just like the ones in Iraan

 

I don't care much for snakes, I don't care if it is a Garden Snake, It may not hurt me but it may make me hurt myself!, Those pictures made me have the creepies!!

 

These words echoed over and over in my mind as I wondered through the mesquite today looking for a bush to squat behind. Thanks a lot Thirsty! If I'm gonna get bit please don't let it happen while I'm doing that!

I guess the last company man I worked with spoiled me because he always had a porta potty that followed the pulling unit to location.

 

Snakes are the least of your problems. Go crazy worrying about them. Just like anywhere else make some noise. Look where you are walking. And don't just dig into a pile of stacked lumber or brush. That is the best way to get bitten. And you are much more likely to be bitten by a copperhead than a rattler.
Stay hydrated. If you are not used to working long hours in the heat it will sneak up on you in hurry. And I mean water. Not energy drinks, tea, cokes. Limited Gatoraide and the likes. No more than 3 to 1 water to drink. You lay down once from overheating and they will probably let you come back. 2nd time more than likely you are out.
Never totally trust others with YOUR life. Loading, unloading, chaining, pumping, etc always keep your eyes open. Lot more cracked heads and missing fingers than rattle snake or other bites.
Also driving. Lot of folks out there with very limited driving experience. Lot more getting paid by load and stretching hours to get one extra a day. Lot more of a threat to your health than rattlers.