As the warmer weather returns so do the rattlesnakes. Use caution when working out doors or walking your pets.
Interesting Facts About Rattlesnakes
- Approximately 7,000 - 8,000 people a year receive venomous snakebites in the U.S. and about 5 of those people die. (FDA)
- 25% of adult rattlesnake bites are dry, with no venom injected. (Brown, 1997)
- Rattlesnakes can strike a distance roughly two-thirds their own length
- Rattlesnakes are deaf and feel vibrations to detect prey or nearby danger
Rattlesnakes have the following physical characteristics:
- Broad, "triangular" head
- Eyes have verticle "cat-like" pupils
- Covered in scales that are a varitey of colors/patterns
- Scales are keeled with a raised ridge in the center of each
- Body is heavy or thick (or fat) in appearance
- Large tubular fangs in mouth that fold out when the mouth opens
- The mouth is like a hinge, opening 180 degrees
- Blunt tail with jointed rattle (Note: baby rattlesnakes don't have rattles and some adult snakes may break or lose their rattles)
- Typically rattlesnakes range from 3' to 4' in length
Symptoms
- One or two puncture marks
- Pain, tingling or burning at the area of the bite
- Swelling at the area of the bite
- Bruising and discoloration at the site of the bite
- Numbness
- Nausea, weakness and lightheadedness.
- Difficulty breathing
First Aid for Snakebites
(This first aid for snakebites information was provided by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Red Cross)
According to the American Red Cross, these steps should be taken:
- Wash the bite with clean water and soap.
- Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart.
- If the bite is on the hand or arm remove any rings, watches or tight clothing.
- Get medical help immediately.
Most bites don't occur in isolated situations where the victim may be a long distance from medical help. Some medical professionals, along with the American Red Cross, cautiously recommend two other measures:
- If a victim is unable to reach medical care within 30 minutes, a bandage, wrapped two to four inches above the bite, may help slow venom. The bandage should not cut off blood flow from a vein or artery. A good rule of thumb is to make the band loose enough that a finger can slip under it.
- A suction device may be placed over the bite to help draw venom out of the wound without making cuts. Suction instruments often are included in commercial snakebite kits.
