“We’ve never had so many rattlesnake bites before” is a common statement heard already this summer from emergency room doctors and first responders. Recent reports about rattlesnake behavior seem to confirm their increased “aggression.” But is that really true? Are snakes actually more aggressive this year? Reported rattlesnake bites are indeed up, and there are two reasons — more snakes are out and about, and more humans are crossing their natural habitat. Avid hikers will tell you that the number of human hikers have soared since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, therefore, it only makes sense that more people enjoying the great outdoors might mean more chance encounters with venomous vipers. Aggression usually occurs when a snake is purposely provoked (and alcohol is involved!), or when a snake is startled by you accidentally stepping or sitting too close.
Officials encourage people to stay aware of their surroundings and look around. When working outdoors, wear appropriate gear such as rattlesnake gaiters for lower legs, or full protection snake chaps with thick gloves. Try yo avoid dense vegetation where snakes could be hiding. Don’t go off the trails into tall grass when hiking. Before sitting down, examine your chosen spot first and try not to put your hands or feet anywhere you can’t clearly see. Keep your dog on a leash to help keep your pet safe.
A 55-year-old woman in California is recovering from a nasty snake surprise! She was rushed to intensive care after she was bitten by a rattlesnake while gardening in her front yard. The victim explained that her arms and veins turned neon yellow. “My mouth and tongue were swollen. My lips twitched, then my eyes and head started twitching.” The doctors were shocked. After receiving two antivenom doses, she was released from the hospital after being in the ICU for two days.
A 78-year-old man was bitten on the finger by a rattlesnake when he bent down to remove a weed while doing yard work in Arizona. The local fire department treated and transported the man to a Tucson hospital in stable condition. This same fire department has been called out on 450 snake removal calls since April 1.
A family faced a nightmare scenario after a 1-year-old was bitten by a rattlesnake. The young toddler needed more than 30 vials of anti-venom and almost died. The rattlesnake bit her while she was out in the yard with her mother. Doctors ended up airlifting her to a nearby children's hospital. "Her foot was already black," the mother said. "I was terrified." The toddler lost consciousness after vomiting. Doctors ended up putting her on a ventilator to keep oxygen going. She’s going to be OK!
Like all reptiles, rattlesnakes become more active in warmer weather — as do humans. This is the reason that most encounters tend to happen most between April and October. Remember, hiking alone means it might be harder to find speedy medical attention if you do get bitten — so consider finding a hiking buddy during these warmer months when the risks of rattlesnake encounters are higher. If you see a snake, immediately give it plenty of space. Do not try to capture or harm a snake. That goes for any other wild animals, too. Coyotes, deer and mountain lions all inhabit local parks but should never be fed or approached. Even though most aren’t dangerous by nature, they can become unpredictable if surprised.
You might hear a rattlesnake before you see it — so when that happens, be wary, look around and get away from it as quickly as possible. Go around it. Leave it alone. They are part of nature. If you’re out hiking with your dog and you see a snake, calmly and slowly steer your canine friend away from it. Rattlesnakes are often confused with gopher snakes, which have similar coloration and length. The key differences include the gopher snake’s glossy skin and more slender head and body. Unlike rattlesnakes, gopher snakes are not venomous. Don’t get close enough to discern the difference— treat all snakes as if they are deadly!
If a rattlesnake bites, what should you do? Usually, rattlesnake bites will leave two puncture marks, and you’ll feel an intense, burning pain. If this happens, focus on how to get medical attention as soon as possible. The best tools to use if you get bitten are your car keys and phone. Better yet, have someone else drive you to an emergency room or call 9-1-1. Time is of the essence! Bite victims should stay calm, immobilize the area and remove any constricting items like watches or rings. Never apply ice, make an incision, or use a tourniquet. Keep the bite below your heart. Most importantly, keep the area of the bite in a neutral, comfortable position. Further, the CDC recommends taking note of the time the bite occurred by actually writing it on your skin next to the wound. Around 25% of bites are “dry,” meaning the snake did not release venom, but even those bites still need to be treated. If you’re bitten while hiking alone, walk slowly to get help. While this might feel counterintuitive, the CDC warns that running increases your heart rate and could spread the venom more quickly throughout your body, as could driving yourself to the hospital.
