Do Rattlesnakes Hibernate in the Fall?

Rattlesnakes are most commonly encountered from early spring through late fall, and then they are presumed to hibernate. But that's not exactly true. A steady temperature drop definitely is a signal for a snake to enter brumation, which issimilar to hibernation. Brumation is an extreme slowing down of their metabolism. Rattlesnakes are awake, but just very lethargic so you don't see them moving around. 

Snakes become sluggish anywhere below 60 degrees° F, so as long as warmer temps prevail, as it seems to be doing this year in many regions, it’s better to be safe than sorry and wear Snake Gaiters (lower leg protection) when raking leaves, stacking firewood, hunting, or hiking. 

Snakes are more reactive to consistently cold weather, rather than a change of seasons. Rattlesnakes are even known to move around during extended warm periods during winter months, especially if they hole up in a stump or other location that can be warmed easily by sunshine. Many states are having a warm and wet autumn season, which increases the food supply, so copperheads, cottonmouths, and rattlesnakes are still out and about. All of these venomous snakes are pit vipers, meaning they have heat-sensitive pits in front of each eye to help locate prey.  

If you are bitten, seek medical attention immediately, say the experts. If you can, call 911 to come get you. If bitten, do NOT:

    •    Use a tourniquet. If the tourniquet is tied too tight, that may cause the loss of a limb.
    •    Make cuts through or near the site of the bite.
    •    Try to suck venom from the site of the bite.
    •    Try to kill or capture the snake, as that would only give it another chance to bite.

Killing or capturing the snake is also unnecessary. Because a single type of antivenom is used to treat all pit viper bites in the United States, medical professionals do not need to know the exact type of snake.

With leaf-peepers out in the woods and several hunting seasons underway or starting soon, it's a good time to be extra mindful while outdoors, being extra cautious around logs or rocks. Venomous snakes tend to be well-camouflaged, so watch where you walk, and don’t go barefoot or wear flip-flops or sandals, even on established trails or around campgrounds. Deaths in the USA from venomous snakes are rare, but a dry bite, where no venom is released, can still be very painful. A venomous bite is not only painful, but can be dangerous due to swelling, a drop in blood pressure, potential loss of limb where bitten, and permanent nerve damage.  Don’t take a chance — wear Snake Gaiters this fall when in the desert or woods.