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!