Most rattlesnake bites occur between the months of April and October. Being aware of your surroundings and knowing how to respond when encountering a rattlesnake are key to avoiding a dangerous rattlesnake bite.
If someone is bitten by a rattlesnake
Get immediate medical attention, as severe or even life-threatening symptoms may occur within minutes after the bite, or in other cases may begin after a couple of hours.
Rattlesnake bites can produce extreme pain and swelling at the location of the bite, excessive bleeding, nausea, swelling in the mouth and throat, making it difficult to breathe, lightheadedness, drooling, and even collapse and shock in rare cases.
Do not apply ice, do not use a tourniquet or constricting band, do not try to suck out the venom, and do not use any device to cut or slice the bite site.
Constricting blood vessels near a rattlesnake bite can lead to amputation. Wash the wound with soap and water, and remove wristwatches, rings on fingers or anything constrictive.
Keep calm, try to avoid exertion, and keep the affected extremity below heart level until you can be transported to a medical facility.
While the odds of being bitten by a rattlesnake are small. But by following some precautions outdoors, people can minimize their chances of being bitten and suffering severe or even life-threatening symptoms.
Top tips to prevent rattlesnake bites
Wear boots and long pants when hiking
Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking in areas where you cannot clearly see where you are placing your feet. Wearing hiking boots and long pants offers an extra layer of protection from unexpected encounters with a rattlesnake. These barriers, however, will not provide complete protection against a bite.
Stay on trails when hiking, away from underbrush and tall weeds
Snakes can rest almost anywhere that is hidden from view. This enables them to hide from predators, avoid extreme temperatures and hunt for prey. Because trails tend to have fewer hiding places for snakes, they offer a level of protection for you. Brush offers protection for snakes. Stay on trails to avoid potentially disturbing a rattlesnake in hiding.
Do not touch or disturb a snake, even if it appears dead
Snakes use their hidden position to strike and kill their prey by surprise. Don’t mistake their apparent stillness as a safe opportunity to investigate. Even freshly killed snakes may still be able to bite.
In California, there are seven species of rattlesnakes.
Always look for concealed snakes before picking up rocks, sticks or firewood
Since rattlesnakes are often well-camouflaged and wait quietly for prey, they can be difficult to see. Piles of rocks or logs, patches of dense shrubs, and expanses of tall grasses are just few of the places where snakes may seek shelter. Carefully inspect logs or rocks before picking them up or sitting down to avoid accidentally disturbing a rattlesnake.
Never hike alone in remote areas. Always have someone with you who can assist in an emergency
Having a hiking partner is important to help in a crisis, especially in a situation where you or your hiking partner is bitten by a snake. If safe to do so, have your hiking partner photograph the snake so that identification can be made to aid in treatment.
Teach children to respect snakes and to leave them alone
Curious children who pick up snakes are frequently bitten. Teach them always to give snakes the right of way to prevent snake bites.
