3344 TR Informative

My informative will be given in the form of a brochure.

Venomous Snakes in Texas
Here in South Texas there is an abundance of wildlife. This wildlife also includes snakes. Texas has 16 different breeds of poisonous snakes. These snakes can be grouped into four main species: Copperheads, Cottonmouth, Rattlesnake, and the Coral Snake. Did you know that 9 of the 16 venomous snakes are different types of Rattlesnakes? Rattlesnakes have the distinctive rattle which makes a noise when the snake is agitated. Copperheads and Cottonmouths are just two more venomous snakes in Texas. Cottonmouths are named for the white coloring on the inside of their mouth. Coral snakes may be the most dangerous snake found in Texas. Not only because of their strong venom but also because they look like some harmless snake. Remember on Coral snakes red and yellow kill a fellow and red and black venom lack.
What To Do If You Are Bitten
1. Keep the person calm, reassuring them that bites can be effectively treated in an emergency room. Restrict movement and keep the affected area below heart level to reduce the flow of venom.
2. If you have a pump suction device follow the manufacturer's directions.
3. Remove any rings or constricting items because the affected area might swell. Create a loose split to help restrict movement of the area.
4. If the area of the bite begins to swell and changes color, the snake was probably venomous.
5. Monitor the persons vital signs- temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, and blood pressure- if possible. If there are signs of shock lay the person flat, raise the feet about a foot, and cover the person with a blanket.
6. Get medical help right away.
7. Bring in the dead snake only if this can be done safely. Do not waste time hunting for the snakes and do not risk another bite if it is not easy to kill the snake. Be careful of the head when transporting it- a snake can actually bite for up to an hour after it's dead.

Do Not allow the person to become over-exerted. If necessary, carry the person to safety.
Do Not apply a tourniquet.
Do Not apply cold compresses to a snake bite.
Do Not cut into a snake bite with a knife or razor.
Do Not try to suck out the venom by mouth.
Do Not give the person stimulants or pain medications unless a doctor tells you to do so.
Do Not give the person anything by mouth.
Do Not raise the site of the bite above the level of the person's heart.

How To Avoid Being Bitten
When exploring outdoors be sure to wear proper foot gear- hiking boots or tough walking shoes. Never go barefoot or wear sandals when exploring outside. Use caution when around fallen trees and heavy brush, always look before you step! When camping do not place your sleeping bags near tall grass, brush, large boulders, or trees. Place your campsite in a cleared area. Never try to handle snakes unless you have formal training. Most experts advise against handling even freshly killed snakes because their nervous system may still be active which means they could still deliver a painful and deadly bite.

South Texas Herpetology Association Snake Rescue Program:
This service is free of charge and is a non-profit organization

Southwest Bexar County
Blain Eaton 830-665-5709

Far Southwest Bexar County
Jeff Dominguez 210-264-8577

3344 TR persuasive

This is my persuasive. I did it in the form of a flyer. The flyer includes pictures for each caption.


Snakes do not come onto your property to hurt you or your family. Snakes are in search of:
¨ A place to hide
¨ A place to build a nest
¨ A place to live
¨ Food
¨ A mate


Snakes also help scientists and doctors. Snake
Venom is used in research and in making medicines.


Researchers say that 90% of snakes are
non-venomous and the estimated
chances of dying from a snakebite is about 1:10
Million.

3344 TR Narative

Sammy Snakes Scary Skin

Near the Tallulah River in Georgia lives a little Rough Green Snake names Sammy. Lately Sammy has been having some trouble. See, usually Sammy has a beautiful green sleek and slender body, but for the past few days his color has been kind of dull and flaky, he even has a grayish tent to him. Sammy’s gray, flaky, dull skin isn’t his biggest problem. The thing that has been bothering him the most are his eyes.
Not only has this dull yucky color taken over Sammy’s entire body, his eyes are also filmed over with a grayish tint. Usually snakes can’ see very well to start with. Snakes track there prey and sense danger through vibrations and heat sensors on there heads. Snakes can see shapes but they can’t see clearly. So imagine what Sammy feels like when he can hardly see at all. If you were to look through these eyes made from tissue paper you would know exactly how Sammy feels. How do you feel? Is it scary not being able to see? Can you guess why Sammy can’t see? Sammy is going to shed his skin. Snakes shed there skin to allow room for growth and to rid themselves of parasites that may have been attach to there skin. Snakes shed their skin by brushing against something hard and rough, like a rock, and creating a rip in their skin. Usually, this rip is started at the nose and mouth area. A snake continues to work on this rip until it can shed its skin completely. Snakes shed their skin quiet often. Many snakes shed more than once per year with some species shedding twice a month. The shedding process is scary to Sammy because this is his first time shedding his skin and he has no idea what to expect. A snake about to shed is referred to as being "in the blue." The signs you will see indicating a snake shed is about to take place are: skin becomes dull; the eyes become cloudy and grayish, and an increase in nervous behavior. Why would Sammy be nervous? Sammy is nervous because he can’t see! In the wild snakes are vulnerable to predators during shedding and like there privacy until the process is complete. It is hard to believe but snakes have many enemies’, large birds, wild boars, mongooses, raccoons, foxes, coyotes and even other snakes. Today is the day Sammy will shed his skin. He has been waiting for almost 2 weeks for this. Sometimes this process can take a while, but not for Sammy. Since Sammy is a small snake it takes him no time at all to peel out of his skin by moving across a rough log. Wahla! Sammy skin is nice, green, and shiny again.
Finally, Sammy can relax. He is no longer afraid of the things he couldn’t see or what might be lurking around the corner to gobble him up. Sammy can go on living comfortably for now, because in no time at all he’ll have to do it all over again. However, this time Sammy will be more prepared and know exactly what to expect.

3344 Talking in the classroom

Students might not realize it at the time but it is really good to be able to get up and speak. As a child I remember being terrified to get up and talk in front of anyone. I would get the worst butterflies and do any thing I could to keep from having to do it. I just hated have all eyes on me. I think the more often kids have to get up an speak the more confident they will become. I was in 4-H in elementary and middle school and every meeting we had they would have everyone who had participated in a show stand up in front of everyone and tell about how you did. I absolutely dreaded this. I hated go for this reason. However, when I got in to high school and was in FFA I was on several teams that required us to stand up and speak. In chapter conducting we stood up and answered questions the judges asked. Then I was on the Radio Broadcasting team which gave me the confidence I have now to speak publicly. I still don't care to stand up and talk but I don't mind anymore. I am a lot more comfortable than I used to be. I believe if kids started having to stand and speak in class as for what ever reason, they would have a lot more confidence and self esteem than before. Its great preparation for life.