Columbia Gorge Hike Turns Scary as Portland Dog Cheats Death After Rattler Bite

An 8-year-old Saint Bernard mix named Georgie is back home in Portland after a terrifying brush with a rattlesnake in the Columbia River Gorge. She was bitten on the right side of her face while out at Catherine Creek on May 10, then rushed about 90 minutes to an emergency hospital in the city. After several days in the ICU, Georgie was discharged on May 13.

According to The Oregonian/OregonLive, staff at DoveLewis 24/7 Animal Hospital treated Georgie with intravenous fluids, antivenom and painkillers, and at times had to use strong sedatives to keep her comfortable. Veterinarians described her condition as serious but treatable with fast intervention, and urged pet owners to stay alert on trails and keep dogs close.

Rattlesnake basics for Gorge visitors

The western rattlesnake is Oregon's only venomous snake and includes two subspecies: the northern Pacific rattlesnake and the Great Basin rattlesnake, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. ODFW notes these snakes typically measure about 18 to 36 inches long, are most often seen in the spring and fall as they move to and from hibernation, and generally bite only when they feel threatened.

Where they turn up in the Gorge

Columbia River Gorge habitat such as sun baked rocky slopes, grasslands and talus fields is ideal for rattlesnakes, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife reports the species has been documented as far west as roughly a mile west of Dog Mountain in Skamania County. With that range, sightings are possible on both sides of the river, so hikers and dog owners on Oregon and Washington trails are urged to stay aware.

Veterinarians urge caution on trails

DoveLewis and other local veterinarians advise keeping dogs leashed, sticking to well worn paths and avoiding rock piles or tall grass where snakes may be concealed. If a bite happens, they say, getting a pet to an emergency veterinary hospital right away for antivenom and supportive care such as IV fluids can be lifesaving, veterinarians told The Oregonian/OregonLive.

Georgie's recovery, and the hospital's warning, underscore that rattlesnakes are a routine part of Gorge ecology, not a movie villain. Give them space, leash your pets and have a plan for emergency care if a bite occurs. For more on identification and safety, see guidance from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.