Approximately 5.8 billion people live in regions around the world that place them at risk for being bitten by “medically important” snakes — meaning venomous species whose bite can have dangerous and potentially life-threatening consequences. Most rattlesnake venom causes hemotoxity and blood-clotting disorders, which lead to disruption of the integrity of the blood vessels and uncontrolled bleeding. The bite location will swell dramatically, with up to a third of the total blood circulation diffusing into tissues. Tissue death can develop within hours to days, and can be severe, requiring long term wound management. Some species of rattlesnake venom can be worse if it is generally neurotoxic, leading to rapid paralysis of the respiratory muscles and suffocation. The combination of toxicities can lead to rapid and severe blood loss, shock, and potentially death. 

It is impossible to know, at the time of a bite, how severe the symptoms will be. In part, the severity is determined by the type of snake, the location of the bite, and how much venom was released. The amount of venom released at the time of the bite can vary widely. A snake that strikes because it perceives a great threat to its life may also deliver more venom into its fangs. According to some studies, snakes that have been “grasped” may release more venom for this reason. Not all bites are created equal. Approximately 20-25% of bites are dry, meaning no venom has been injected (this might happen if the snake had recently eaten). 30% of bites are mild, causing local pain and swelling in the bite area but no systemic symptoms. 40% of bites are severe, requiring intensive intervention and longer hospital stays. Only around 5% of bites are fatal.

If you are bitten by ANY snake, seek immediate medical attention if you do not know for absolute certain if it is venomous or not. Call 911 or get to the nearest hospital. At the hospital, snake bite victims may receive antivenin—  a medical biological product consisting of antibodies created from horses that have been immunized to the venom. Antivenin binds and neutralized venom toxins. It is extremely important in the treatment of snake envenomation, but is most effective when given within four hours of the bite. It is very expensive, and several vials may be needed in the course of treatment. There is a small risk of allergic reaction to the antivenin due to the equine origin. However, not all venomous bites require anti-venom treatment. Factors such as patient age, bite location, whether the venom is causing severe bleeding near the bite, or circulation issues will determine if anti-venom is needed. Lab tests and a period of observation in the emergency department are helpful, as the symptoms of a venomous bite may take several hours to develop. Local medical protocol will cater to the specific snakes found in a particular area, so treatment may be different from region to region.

What To Do If Bitten By A Rattlesnake:

• Call 911 or get to a hospital as quickly as possible.
• If you can do so safely, try to determine the color of the snake, any patterns it may have, or how big it is.
• Remove any kind of restrictive jewelry or clothing.
• Keep the bitten area below your head and your heart.

Ways of Prevention:

• Keep all bushes and shrubs in your yard and around your home trimmed and off the ground. This is a perfect hiding place for snakes.
• Minimize the rodent population. Rodents attract snakes.
• Rattlesnakes don't always rattle before they strike, so always be aware of your surroundings because they are very good at blending in.
• Always check shoes and boots that have been left outside before putting them on.
• Avoid hiking in tall grass. Stay on trails.
• Watch where you place your hands or where you sit, especially on rock piles or ledges.
• Wear snake gaiters with sturdy footwear to help protect lower legs.

Longer days and warmer weather means spending more time outside working in the yard,  hiking and biking on local trails, fishing, and more. A rise in temperatures also means an increase in rattlesnake sightings. While there is no specific rattlesnake season, most rattlesnake bites occur between April and October, when people and snakes are most active outdoors and the weather is nice. It’s uncommon for snakes to be active once temps dip below 55°F, but since temperatures like those are months and months away, be extra vigilant until then.

Your best defense against venomous snakes is not to take a chance in the first place. Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking in areas where you cannot clearly see where you are placing your feet. Always wear long pants and snake bite protection such as Razer lower leg snake gaiters or full Turtleskin snake chaps.

Here are a few tips for keeping rattlesnakes out of your yard:

• Keep the grass on your property cut short.
• Cut away any vegetation that may grow against the fence.
• Remove piles of wood, leaves or any hiding spots for snakes.
• Pick up any fallen fruit, keep trash cans securely closed, and feed pets indoors. These attract mice and rats, which in turn attract snakes.
• Rattlesnakes cannot dig burrows, but will use those dug by rodents. After controlling rodents, fill in all burrows with soil or sod and pack down firmly.
• Check under your house, around the perimeter and in enclosed cool areas to close any gaps where a rattlesnake could hide. When it gets really hot, snakes seek cool spots.

Tips to avoid rattlesnakes out in the wild:

• Watch your step and pay attention to your surroundings.
• Look for concealed snakes before picking up rocks, sticks or firewood.
• Check carefully around stumps or logs before sitting.
• When climbing, always look before putting your hands in a new location.
• If walking at night, be sure to use a flashlight.
• Never grab what appear to be sticks or branches while swimming; rattlesnakes are excellent swimmers.
• Do not hike alone. Always have a buddy to help in case of an emergency. Carry a fully charged mobile phone and let people know where you plan to hike and how long you will be gone.

If you are bitten by a rattlesnake or other venomous snake Call 911 or go to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible!  And hopefully you will never be faced with this terrifying situation— a Southern California truck driver recently received an unexpected package with a live rattlesnake inside,  leading him to believe it was attempted murder! The driver, 60-year-old Elijah Bowles, said someone had placed cotton balls inside the box to prevent postal workers from hearing the snake's rattle. The man called 911 after he picked up a package at the Twentynine Palms post office and made the discovery.

As most of the USA settles into warmer temperatures this time of year, snakes are slithering out of their dens and becoming increasingly more active. Snake season has begun!  But that’s not all… it’s also time for the inevitable emergence of spiders and scorpions, too! Yikes!  But that doesn’t mean we should avoid the great outdoors and stay home. It just means to take common sense precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Rattlesnakes usually avoid humans, but about 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States each year, with 10 to 15 deaths, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. One of the best ways to avoid being bitten by a snake is to think about where you put your hands and feet. Look carefully before moving rocks or any object that may be providing shade for a snake. Use caution when walking through fields with tall grass, or  along rivers or creeks. Keep in mind snakes are more active in the cooler hours of the day, which means they are more active at night through early morning, so consider installing outdoor lighting fixtures along porches and sidewalks, and carry a flashlight after dark. If you have a backyard swimming pool with a messy log pile next to it and dog food lying out, then you've created the perfect environment to invite rodents, which invites snakes.

Some regions that received more rain than usual this year during the cooler months  means there is now  plenty of vegetation to feed the rodents and birds that rattlesnakes love to eat. When the ecosystem flourishes, wildlife flourishes, and a number of those birds and rodents are prey to venomous snakes. But that doesn't mean more rattlesnakes now, experts say. That may happen in a couple years, but not until rattlesnakes get fat and happy from plentiful food and make more baby rattlesnakes.  As the weather gets warmer, we see snakes come out to sun themselves and look for food, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there are MORE snakes than previous years, it just means all snakes become more active and are therefore seen more often.

Nearly all rattlesnake bites result from human error, not rattlesnake aggression. All rattlesnakes can be aggressive at certain times, but not all rattlesnakes are aggressive in general. Few sounds will make a person freeze or take flight faster than a “rattle,” but since some snakes don’t make that sound, especially baby rattlesnakes, it’s best to assume all snakes are venomous.  Although new species of rattlesnakes continue to be discovered, there are currently about 20 species in the United States.  The most commonly encountered is the western diamondback; it accounts for the most bites and deaths. They are not aggressive; they're defensive. If you see any type of rattlesnake, don't make it feel threatened and leave a lot of room between you and the snake.

If you are bitten by a rattlesnake or other venomous snake the Mayo Clinic  lists these steps:     

• Call 911 or go to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible.     
• Remain calm and move beyond the snake's striking distance.     
• Remove jewelry and tight clothing before you start to swell.     
• Position yourself, if possible, so that the bite is at or below the level of your heart.     
• Clean the wound, but don't flush it with water. Cover it with a clean, dry dressing.

Be sure NOT to to do these things:     

• Don't use a tourniquet or apply ice.     
• Don't cut the wound or attempt to remove the venom.     
• Don't drink caffeine or alcohol, which could speed your body's absorption of venom.     
• Don't try to capture the snake. Try to remember its color and shape so that you can describe it, which will help in your treatment.

Of course your best defense against venomous snakes is not to take a chance in the first place. Wear snake bite protection such as Razer brand lower leg snake gaiters or full Turtleskin brand snake chaps. It’s uncommon for snakes to be active once temps dip below 55°F, but since temperatures like those are months and months away, be safe until then!