A rattlesnake lies just off the Grandeur Peak trail in Millcreek Canyon. Be careful because rattlesnakes are difficult to see in their natural habitat when they are motionless and silent. (Al Hartmann / The Salt Lake Tribune)

With summer finally in full swing and people excited to get out and about, staff at the Uinta/Wasatch Cache National Forest is reminding outdoor enthusiasts how to avoid close encounters with rattlesnakes and what to do if you are bitten. Here's a list of tips:

» Rattlesnakes retreat underground to avoid temperature extremes and are generally more active during evening, night or morning hours. They typically function most effectively at temperatures between about 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

» Be careful where you put your hands or feet and where you sit. Most snakes are inactive and depend on concealment for protection. A rattlesnake in its natural habitat is almost impossible to see when motionless and silent.

» Don't depend on a rattlesnake to rattle before it strikes. Most rattlesnakes will not rattle unless they are frightened or feel threatened.

» Don't jump or step over logs, rocks or plant material -- walk around these obstacles. Be careful in the outdoors when turning over logs, rocks or other large objects; a snake may be resting underneath or looking for food.

» When hiking, watch where you step; stay on paths or in clearings if possible. Avoid tall grassy areas with heavy underbrush. Do not put your hands or feet into places you cannot see. Look closely at the ground before crossing over or under fences.

» If you

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come across a snake, keep a safe distance -- at least a snake's body length. A snake can normally strike half its body length, even further if it is facing downhill. Snakes normally aren't aggressive, but be prepared to retreat if one comes toward you; it may only be seeking escape cover.

» Wear suitable clothing and footwear when outdoors. Leather boots provide protection for the feet and ankles; low-cut shoes or sandals should not be worn in rattlesnake country, especially at night. Rattlesnake fangs can penetrate clothing, so loose-fitting is better than close-binding styles.

» If you are bitten, go to the closest emergency room. If you are unable to reach medical care within 30 minutes, a bandage wrapped 2 to 4 inches between the bite and the heart may slow the venom, but don't apply a narrow, constrictive tourniquet. Minimize activity if possible -- stay calm. Keep the bitten area lower than the heart. If bitten on hand or arm, remove jewelry in case your arm swells. Do not: cut the bite and try to suction the poison; place ice or heat packs directly on the wound; drink alcohol or take aspirin or ibuprofen.

 

World Archery Youth Championships

Weber State University will host more than 400 archers from across the globe during the 2009 World Archery Youth Championships July 12-19 at WSU's Lindquist Field in Ogden. The championship is the main qualifying event for the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games and is sponsored by the International Archery Federation, Easton Sports Development Foundation, Ogden Weber Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Utah Sports Commission.

Participants are between the ages of 14 and 18 and are required to qualify through their more than 50 respective countries, including Australia, Barbados, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Lebanon, Nigeria, Spain and Venezuela.

Thirty-one participants are traveling to Utah from around the United States; one is from Logan, 14-year-old Riley Whiting. Competitors will spend the week in practices, qualification rounds and eliminations. Top archers will compete in final Medal Matches for Teams on July 18 and final Medal Matches for Individuals on July 19. The 17 top finishers of each gender will also qualify their countries for slots to participate in the first Youth Olympic Games, Aug. 14-24, 2010, in Singapore. For more information about the World Archery Youth Championships, visit www.ogdenywc.com.

 

Fireworks at Jordanelle

Miss the fireworks on the Fourth of July? Jordanelle State Park near Heber will offer fireworks and entertainment on July 11 from 7-10 p.m. Live music and food will also be available. Other activities include wakeboard, kneeboard and skisky demonstrations. The fireworks will start at 10 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and find a spot on the day-use beach area. The entrance fee is $10 per car with eight occupants. Call 435-649-9540 or visit stateparks.utah.gov for more information.

 

Zero-emissions bike tour

The Zero-Emission Bike Tour is coming to Park City on July 18 and bringing the Telluride Mountainfilm Festival. The unsupported bike and film tour includes two riders, 2,300 miles and 15 films. A free screening will run as part of the Park City Film Series, July 18 at 8 p.m., at Jim Santy Auditorium, 1225 Park Ave. Call 435-615-8291 or visit www.mountainfilmontour.com for more information.

 

Wasatch Mountain Club activities

The WMC offers weekly events for members. To join, visit www.wasatchmountainclub.org. Here are some upcoming club events:

July 5 » Day hike at Eisenglass Mine, Bountiful. Call Bill 801-209-2881.

July 7 » Evening mountain bike, Park City area. Call Vince 435-649-6805.

July 7 » Evening hike, Cottonwood canyons. Call Steve 801-261-5787.

July 8 » Evening hike, Little Cottonwood. Call Constance 801-954-8324.

July 8 » Evening canoe, flatwater on the Jordan River. Call Marjorie 801-712-7890.

July 9 » Evening hike, Mill Creek Canyon.

July 9 » Evening dog hike, Mill Creek Canyon. Call Mike 435-647-6327.

July 9 » Day hike, Cottonwood/Mill Creek canyons. Call Norm 801-266-3703.

July 9 » Evening climb, Gate Buttress. Call Steve 801-474-0031.

July 10 » Road bike, Park City. Call Cheryl 435-649-9008.

July 10-12 » Hike/car camp/backpack, Lake Alice, Wyo. E-mail Sonya at sonya.lloyd@gmail.com.

July 11 » Conservation day hike/trail maintenance. Call Chris 801-364-5729.

July 11 » Conservation day hike, proposed Flagstaff ski lift impact. Call Mary Ann 801-278-2423.

July 11 » Dog hike, upper Mill Creek. Call Tom 801-255-2784.

July 11 » Day hike, Wolverine cirque/Brighton ridge. Call Julie 801-244-3323.

July 11-12 » Road bike, weekend epic No. 2: Huntington Canyon and Scofield. Call Robert 801-467-1129.

July 11 » Day hike. Cardiff Fork to Cardiff Fork pass. Call Brett 801-580-2066.

July 12 » Day hike, Lake Blanche. Call Cindy 801-530-7331.

July 12 » Beginners day hike, TBA. Call Linda and Don 801-943-1871.

July 12 » Day hike, Lamotte Peak, Uintas. Call Judy 801-466-6134.

July 12 » Day hike, Turtle hike, birds and flowers at Brighton. Call Martha 801-278-5826.

July 12 » Mountain bike, midmountain trail Park City. Call Thomas 801-652-3308.

 

Soldier Hollow makes the cut

Soldier Hollow golf course at Wasatch Mountain State Park has been rated No. 11 on the 50 Best Municipal Courses list in a recent issue of Golfweek .

 

Inspections required at Lake Powell

All boats launching at major ramps at Lake Powell in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area are now required to meet an official to answer a series of questions and have a quick boat inspection in an effort to keep invasive quagga and zebra mussels out of the reservoir. The major boat ramps will be closed from 10 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. (Utah time). Any boats thought to be contaminated from other waters must be cleaned before they can be launched. Boaters launching at other ramps must complete a self-certification. Those forms are available at www.nps.gov/glca and at the launch ramps.

 

Free Summer Saturdays

The Ogden Nature Center, 966 W. 12th St., Ogden, is holding Free Summer Saturdays starting July 11 and running through Aug. 22. The events run from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and include free admission and naturalist-guided activities. Visit www.ogdennaturecenter.org or call 801-621-7595 for more information.

To get your event listed, e-mail the information to brettp@sltrib.com or mail it to Brett Prettyman, The Salt Lake Tribune, 90 S. 400 West, Suite 700, Salt Lake City, UT 84101.