Rawlins Vets Sees More horses With Snakebite

RAWLINS, Wyo. (AP) — Veterinarians in Rawlins say drought conditions seem to be causing more horses to be bitten by rattlesnakes.

The Carbon County Veterinary Hospital recently treated four horses for snake bites within a two-week period. Veterinarian Liz Schroeder says it's more typical for the clinic to see just one snake-bitten horse a year.

The Associated Press reports the drought is causing mice to move closer to ranches in search of water. Rattlesnakes follow the mice.

Schroeder says dog and cat owners can help to protect their pets by keeping them away from rocky areas that are attractive hideouts for rattlesnakes.

She says it's more difficult to prevent horses from being bitten.