Increase in Timber Rattlesnake Sightings

Encountering wildlife on hiking trails or while camping is to be expected, especially with summer in full swing.  In fact, if the news has taught us anything, it’s that snakes are only getting more curious about their human surroundings. Officials have issued a new public safety alert due to a sudden spike in timber rattlesnake sightings— in cars, gardens, toilets, hotel rooms, and other human-populated settings. This  species is endemic to much of the eastern United States and is known as one of North America's most potentially dangerous snakes due to its potent venom, long fangs and significant size.

Also known as the American viper, and called canebrake rattlesnake in the Coastal Plain of the Southeast, timber rattlesnakes are heavy-bodied reptiles that are gray with an orange, yellow, brown, or black stripe down their back. An adult viper can grow to be seven feet, and their venom is potent enough to kill a human. A timber rattlesnake bite is considered a critical medical emergency—in other words, you want to stay far away from these wild creatures. Interacting with this venomous species can have dangerous—and potentially life-threatening—consequences.

All species of rattlesnakes are most active between April and October, and become increasingly adventurous in their travels when food and water supplies run low. If there's not a lot of rainfall, there's not a lot of water available for the rattlesnake, or the food that the rattlesnakes are looking for. So that’s a good reason why the rattlesnakes may be moving around more than usual. Officials warn that rattlesnakes may stealthily creep onto your property to take refuge in bushes and other quiet shady spots. If bitten by a timber rattlesnake, you may experience:

• Pain, tingling, or burning
• Swelling, bruising, or discoloration
• Numbness in the face or limbs
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Trouble seeing
• Excess salivation and sweating
• Shock

Often mistaken for a rattlesnake because of their diamond pattern and similar defensive behaviors, the Pacific gopher snake is also known as a bull snake. They’ll even vibrate their tails similarly! While you’ll want to give both snakes their space, you can tell the two apart by the tail. Gopher snakes don’t have black and white bands on their tails, or rattles for that matter. They also have smaller and narrower heads compared to rattlesnakes. Pacific gopher snakes are not venomous. They will puff up and vibrate their tails in a defensive pose but will not strike with bared teeth like a rattlesnake. They keep their mouths closed. They get their name from gophers being their favorite snack. Pacific gopher snakes are a crucial part of any ecosystem because they keep the rodent population in check. They borrow nests from gophers and ground squirrels to have a safe place to lay eggs and an automatic food source.

If you are bitten by ANY snake, seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or get to the nearest hospital. Don’t use a tourniquet or apply ice. Don’t cut the bite or try to remove the venom. Don’t drink caffeine or alcohol. Don’t take pain-relieving medicine, because doing so can increase your risk of bleeding. Don’t try to catch or trap the snake. Try to remember its color and shape so that you can describe it. If possible, take a picture of the snake from a safe distance. Knowing what kind of snake bit you can help with your anti-venom treatment. When working or playing in snake country, take an easy proactive step to help keep yourself safe— wear snake gaiters that cover your lower legs.