Do I really have to worry about spiders and rattle snakes in New Mexico?

Question

Heading to the Mexican border with my guard unit, just wondering how bad the snake and bug problem is ?

Answer 1

I spent my last 3 years on active duty at Fort Huachuca, in southern Arizona.

Yeah, there are snakes, spiders, and scorpions out there, and you have to be smart and careful to avoid them. But in most cases, they're just trying to get along, and you're way too big to be food, so they'll avoid you IF YOU GIVE THEM THE CHANCE TO DO SO.

I'm sure that your unit will get plenty of orientation training on the desert life. Pay attention, and you'll do fine. And believe me, you'll die much faster from heat and dehydration than from most bug bites.

Enjoy the desert -- it really has periods when it is spectacularly beautiful.