Rattlesnakes are on the Move Again

Many areas of the USA are still covered in snow and ice this time of year, but for those who live in non-mountainous areas of Arizona, New Mexico, California, Texas, and most of the southern states, sunshine and temperatures are on the rise and that means more snake sightings are also on the rise. At his time of year in warmer climates, rattlesnakes are on the move after being inactive during the winter.  Rattlesnakes will bite out of defense, but herpetologists say they are also afraid of people and will usually slither away when detected. But if you accidentally step on one or startle it, they can retaliate the only way they know how — with a defensive bite. You may have heard that before a snake strikes it will warn you with a rattle.

But according to experts, that is not necessarily true. There are about 36 species of rattlesnakes in the USA, and may differ somewhat in their traits and habits. A young rattlesnake may not have rattles on its tail and some will strike without warning if they feel threatened or surprised. So it’s best to always be aware of your surroundings and to not rely on a rattle to warn you of a snake’s presence.

Snakes love warmer days. As reptiles, their body temperature mirrors air temperature, so it’s common to begin seeing many more snakes even if the calendar tells us it’s not yet officially spring. In the warm deserts, rattlesnakes are most active from March through October. In the spring, they are active during daylight hours. As days become increasingly hot around early May, rattlesnakes become more active at night and spend the day in a spot of shade or a cool shelter.

Regardless of the state in which you live, if you work, hike, fish, hunt, prospect for gold, metal detect, ride ATVs, etc. in rattlesnake country, you’re likely going to encounter some snakes this year. Keep in mind that snakes of many species are through hunkering down now that the weather is warmer, making human encounters more likely with ALL types of snakes. If you’re wondering how to deal with snakes you might find in your own backyard, keep in mind that nonpoisonous snakes are harmless. They eat mice, rats, and other pesky rodents you don’t want around. Having them near the house is a good thing. When disturbed, these harmless snakes usually just slither away. They prefer to avoid contact with humans. But you never know what type of snake you might encounter, so wear thick gloves and  snake gaiters around your lower legs when weeding ground cover around the house, clearing brush, or working around timber or log piles. Always watch where you place your hands and feet when hiking, especially through tall weeds or in rocky areas. If you see a snake within five to six feet of you, make slow movements in the opposite direction of the snake.

How to identify a rattlesnake:     

• The best giveaway is if the snake has a diamond or triangular-shaped head that is wider than its neck
• Rattlesnakes have chunky bodies rather than longer and slimmer body shapes.   
• Rattlesnakes have a white-stripe pattern on their faces.     
• Rattlesnakes have vertical eye slits.

Did you know that not all snakebites are equal? Some snakes deliver a bite with a small amount of venom and others can deliver a great deal. So-called dry bites contain no venom at all.  If you are bitten, even if it doesn’t feel worse than a bee sting at the time, you won’t know how much or how little venom was injected, therefore, it’s imperative you get immediate medical attention.

If you are bitten by a snake, experts advise:

• Do NOT panic. It is important to stay calm. Exertion will stimulate circulation of the venom, so avoid unnecessary movement.
•  Call 911 immediately or get yourself to a hospital as quickly as possible.
• While waiting for medical help, stay calm and position the body so that the bite is at or below heart level.
• Remove jewelry or tight clothing before swelling starts.
• Do NOT apply ice or a tourniquet on or near the bite.
• Do NOT cut the wound or attempt to suck out the venom.
• Do NOT drink caffeine or alcohol, which could speed the body's absorption of venom.

How to avoid becoming a victim of snakebite:

• Wear appropriate gear to help block rattlesnake venom if bitten— snake gaiters over long pants and leather gloves if working.
• Stay on trails when hiking and away from underbrush and tall weeds.  
  
• Never touch a snake, even if it appears dead. Even freshly killed snakes may still be able to bite.    
• Look for concealed snakes before picking up rocks, sticks or firewood.  
• Never hike or bike alone in remote areas. Have someone with you who can assist in the event of an emergency.  
• Teach children to respect snakes and leave them alone.

Some great news coming from the medical community is that in the last couple of years, a new anti-venom called Anavip has become FDA-approved.  The biggest difference is how it works in the bloodstream. It lasts longer in the body, so it can bind up the venom for a longer period of time. It essentially prevents patients from getting delayed bleeding abnormalities. That was the problem with the old product. It had a short duration of action, so there was still venom circulation. This new antidote works on some people who have allergies to certain medications. The cost of this newest anti-venom is about half the price of the older one, but at $1,200 a vial, it's still no bargain. Some snake bit victims need to be injected with 30 or more vials!

From your front yard to the hiking trail, it’s important to keep an eye out for snakes to avoid dangerous encounters.  Just know that as temperatures rise, so will rattlesnake sightings.  No need to avoid enjoying the great outdoors this season, just be more vigilant and prepared by wearing snake gaiters.