Work crews repositioning containment boom on the Laramie River encounter an approximately 4-foot-long rattlesnake on the bank. The snake is coiled, rattling, and blocking the safest access route to the boom anchor point. Crew members back away immediately; no one was bitten. The crew is unsure whether to reroute access, wait for animal control, or stand down. This is a Drill!
Expected Player Actions:
Safety: Issue a stop-work order for the affected crew. Reassess site hazards and update the Site Safety & Health Plan (ICS-208). Confirm whether wildlife control should be contacted.
Operations: Adjust boom deployment plan or reroute access. Evaluate whether the hazard affects adjacent work areas.
Planning: Capture hazard on Operational Planning Worksheet (ICS-215) and the next operational period’s Incident Action Plan (IAP).
Environmental: Provide guidance on safe distance, species behavior, and relocation protocols. Determine whether a permitted wildlife handler may be required.
Notes/Remarks:
Rattlesnakes are common along the Laramie River corridor during the warmer months.
Local animal control can respond, but may take 30 to 60 minutes.
A safe standoff distance of at least 6 feet is recommended, more if the terrain is uneven.
