Sudden Surge in Snake Bite Incidences

The resurgence of snake season always poses a complicated problem each year.  Depending on where you live, the return of warmer weather is likely to blame for the rise in snake bite incidents that medical facilities have already reported this year— especially in California, Arizona, and Texas. While most people know there are risks associated with enjoying the outdoors, the thought of a run-in with a venomous snake can still feel like a remote possibility. 

As we all head back outside, the chances of encountering a snake on the hiking trail or even on your property tend to go up. Most bites occur between the months of April and October when snakes and humans are most active outdoors. The Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) urges the public to stay aware of their surroundings while outdoors—especially anywhere that's a likely snake habitat—and to keep their distance from any snakes they spot. Wearing snake gaiters that wrap around your lower leg is a good precaution. According to DFW, it’s legal to kill a rattlesnake but they encourage people to leave them alone as they are an important part of the environment. And while it might seem easy to villainize the reptiles, it's just as important to remember how vital they are to the ecosystem—and that we're sharing their habitat. Rattlesnakes are generally not aggressive, but they will strike when they are threatened or deliberately provoked. About 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States each year, and now officials have issued a new alert warning the public after a sudden surge in snake bites this spring.

In addition to spotting a rattlesnake in the desert or woods, pit vipers are often found around old barns and other buildings because these structures normally have an abundance of mice and other rodents, which are the primary food source for rattlers. These old buildings also offer dark, damp areas where the rattlesnakes like to hide. If you’re working on a construction project, don’t stick your hand under the floorboards or in an old lumber pile. Be cautious when stacking wood and clearing brush.

The western rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) is one of the most common venomous snakes you might encounter. A type of pit viper, these snakes have long been feared for their potent venom. While they usually rattle their tails as a menacing warning, these snakes actually aren’t that big—only about as long as a yardstick. The western rattlesnake uses its facial pits to detect heat and locate prey. Small mammals like rodents and rabbits are this snake’s favorite foods. They also eat birds, eggs, lizards, and amphibians. Western rattlesnakes have natural predators like kingsnakes, bobcats, coyotes, and birds of prey that are resistant to their venom. Like garter snakes, rattlesnakes give live birth instead of laying eggs. You aren’t likely to encounter massive dens of western rattlesnakes because they don’t breed in huge numbers. Your biggest risk in encountering a western rattlesnake is accidentally stepping on one, then it bites you in retaliation. “Humans are not considered food to a rattlesnake so they really don’t want to strike you,” explains a DFW staff member. “They just don’t want do be stepped on.”

Despite your best efforts at being careful and aware, if you happen to get bitten, seek medical attention immediately. About 25% of rattlesnake bites are “dry,” meaning no venom is injected, but the bites still require medical treatment.  An adult snake won’t release venom if they know that they won’t be eating the victim, so sometimes they dry bite. However, young rattlers unleash all their venom because they don’t know any better yet. "No putting ice on the site, no using a tourniquet, no using medication and alcohol," says a medical professional. "No sucking it out like in the old Western movies we used to see." Call 911 or get to the nearest hospital fast! Until the bite is treated, immobilize the affected area and keep it below the heart, if possible. Remove any jewelry, such as a watch or ring, that could constrict swelling. Dogs bitten by rattlesnakes will need emergency veterinary care.