Did you know that thousands of people in the United States are struck each year by venomous snakes?!  When bitten, venom travels through the bloodstream, destroying tissue and causing swelling, internal bleeding, and intense pain. Some bites are fatal.  Don't take a chance!  Turtleskin SnakeArmor can help protect men and women against deadly snake fangs — and protect your dog, too! Turtleskin brand is made in the USA and tested with live rattlesnakes.

TurtleSkin SnakeArmor's patented technology produces the tightest weave ever made with high-strength fibers. Its weave is so tight that snake fangs can't puncture it— not even large diamondback rattlesnakes! Constructed from a patented super-tight weave of high-strength ballistic fibers and polyester, the fabric itself is snake proof! In addition to protecting against snake fangs, your legs are also protected against briars, thorns, and sticks. Turtleskin brand snake protection is cool, comfortable, water and wind resistant, and lighter than other brands. Choose from snake gaiters that protect from your knee to your ankle, or snake chaps that can protect your entire leg from hip to ankle, or snake pants that offer snake bite protection from the knee down. Turtkeskin is available in a variety of colors and uni-sex sizes, and are ideal for both women and men. Vests and neck gaiters are available for dogs.

• TurtleSkin SnakeArmor Snake Gaiters are constructed from a super-tight patented weave of high-strength ballistic fibers and polyester. Many brands of snake gaiters are heavy, stiff, and bulky, but at 6 ounces each, these gaiters are light weight, yet are tested to repel even large rattlesnakes. And the gaiters fold compactly to approx. 8 x 8 x 2 inches for backpacking and to save storage space. TurtleSkin SnakeArmor Snake Gaiters stopped a simulated snake strike of paired 0.05” diameter needles weighing a total of 150 grams at 0.63 joules. The system also stopped a simulated snake bite of a 0.042” diameter needle at 1.49 pounds with a penetration limit of 0.03”.

• TurtleSkin SnakeArmor Snake Chaps weigh only about 2 pounds, and are comfortable to wear all year round — not too hot or heavy to wear during warmer months. They are also wind and water resistant, making them a great option to wear during wet or colder seasons. This premium protective product is the lightest and softest snake chaps on the market.  Below-the-Knee snake chaps as well as Turtleskin hunting pants offer fabric above the knee that keeps your pants dry and clean and snake protection from knee to ankle. TurtleSkin SnakeArmor Total Protection Snake Chaps provide snake protection from your ankle up to your thigh, which is ideal for working in swampy areas.

• A snake bite directly to your dog's chest or neck can be fatal, so protecting these vital areas while hunting or hiking is critical. Made from the same material as lightweight Turtleskin SnakeArmor gaiters and chaps for people, the Turtleskin DogArmor hunting vest and neck gaiter protects from snakes, and from thorns, briars, and sticks, too. Upland cover can be brutal on your faithful dog's underside, leaving it red and raw after a day of hunting, but now you can provide chest, belly and neck protection for man's best friend!

Whether you're working or playing in the great outdoors, stay safer with Turtleskin SnakeArmor!

Although rattlesnake bites are unusual this time of year in Arizona, just last month a man nearly lost his left hand after he was bitten by a rattlesnake while checking the water valve his yard. Luckily he got to the hospital in time to save his hand after receiving multiple rounds of anti-venom and intensive care.

“This is certainly the low season for rattlesnake envenomations, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t occur. It still can happen, and remaining vigilant even though this is a colder time of year when we don’t see it as commonly, it still can happen,” the doctor commented. If you’re bitten by a rattlesnake, doctors advise you to seek medical treatment immediately. They warn against taking measures in your own hands, such as using a tourniquet or trying to suck out the venom yourself.

In this case, the victim, Tom, drove himself to the emergency room, but made one major mistake— he applied a tourniquet. “I got the wise idea to put a tourniquet on it so I could drive and try to keep the poison out of my arm,” he said. “When I got to the hospital, they took the tourniquet off and said that I shouldn’t have done that. That’s not what you do because I super concentrated all that venom just in this part of my hand and arm.” 

Living in a rattlesnake country, Tom is used to checking his yard for black widows and rattlesnakes, but he didn’t see anything that day and never heard a rattle. “As he bit me, I could feel it going into my arm. It just ran up into my bloodstream and started to climb up through my flesh,” he said. “I could just feel the poison starting to turn into like an ache. If you bumped it or touched it or tried to move it, it was like the worst burning you ever felt.”

Treat all snake bites as medical emergencies. Call 911! Not all hospitals will have anti-venom on hand, so do call for emergency help immediately so anti-venom can be located as soon as possible. Your recovery will largely depend on how quickly you get treatment, the amount of venom, where the bite occurred, and your overall state of health and strength of immunity. When treating venomous snake bites, the list of what NOT to do is longer than the list of what to do. Experts agree you should NOT apply suction, heat, pressure or tourniquets, and you definitely should not administer Benadryl, aspirin, steroids, or antibiotics. Do not elevate the bite either. What SHOULD YOU DO if a rattlesnake bites you? As difficult as it might be, try to relax while someone gets in touch with emergency services. Relaxing will slow your heart rate so that not as much venom is pumped throughout your body. Also avoid hiking or other physical activities. Because swelling may occur, remove rings and other constricting items.

Maximize rattlesnake safety by understanding more about them:

• Rattlesnakes are pit vipers, meaning they hunt by sensing heat and use their tongues for a sense of smell.
• As they are cold-blooded animals, rattlers are most often found out in the open April through October.
• Rattlesnakes can be found throughout most of the U.S., but not in Alaska or Hawaii.
• Rattlesnakes rattle when they feel threatened. This is a warning for you to stay away. However, rattlesnakes are not naturally aggressive.
• While you should always get treated om a hospital setting with anti-venom if you are bit, know that not all rattlesnake bites are venomous.
• Rattlesnakes do NOT always rattle their tails, which is why it is always important to stay visually vigilant and not listen to music when hiking in rattlesnake territory.
• Although they tend to prefer drier habitats, rattlesnakes are actually very good swimmers.  They generally only swim if they're trying to get from one spot to another, but some snakes get tired while swimming and may look for a place to rest in the water, another common way to accidentally acquire a snake while boating or even laying on an inflatable in the water.
• Use the buddy system when enjoying the great outdoors. Should the worst happen, one person can get help while the other stays immobile.
• Wear snake gaiters or snake chaps to help protect yourself. Not only do they provide protection against snake fangs, but also against painful thorns, briars, sticks, cacti needles, and more.

Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, is a festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.  Marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring, Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture. The festival is traditionally a time to honor deities as well as ancestors.

January 29, 2025 through February 16, 2026 is known as The Year of the Snake, more specifically the Wood Snake. The Snake represents wisdom, knowledge, intelligence, intuition and creativity. Snakes are also associated with good luck, prosperity, fertility and longevity. The Lunar New Year begins on the new moon closest to the midpoint of the winter solstice and the spring equinox, which this year occurs on January 29 and ushers in a year of rebirth, an opportunity to move away from old ways and habits that no longer serve us well.   

The Wood Snake is a combination of the snake, the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac, and the wood element. This unique pairing of the snake, known for its wisdom and transformative energy, with the wood element, symbolizes growth, stability, and creativity. This Wood Snake year will likely be more creative and innovative than previous Snake years, which include 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, and 2013.  Those born in the Years of the Rat, Monkey, Rooster, Horse and Dragon should experience good luck in 2025.

Ideas for celebrating the Year of the Wood Snake:

• Cleaning and Family Reunions: The evening preceding New Year's Day is an occasion for Chinese families to gather for the annual reunion dinner. Traditionally, every family would thoroughly clean their house, symbolically sweep away any ill fortune to make way for incoming good luck. Chinese New Year is a time for families to come together. Celebrate with special meals, offering prayers to ancestors, and bonding over traditional dishes like dumplings and fish, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
• Windows and doors may be decorated with red paper-cuts and couplets representing themes such as good fortune or happiness, wealth, and longevity.
• Other activities include lighting firecrackers and giving money in red envelopes.
• Wear snake gaiters to protect your lower legs when working, hiking, hunting or recreating in the desert or woods where rattlesnakes, copperheads and other venomous snakes are known to live.

The Year of the Wood Snake is a time for steady growth, creativity, and transformation. Whether you’re born in this year or are simply under its influence, 2025 offers a chance to reflect on your goals and nurture both your personal and professional lives. With patience, strategic thinking, and a willingness to embrace change, you can harness the positive energy of the Wood Snake and achieve new heights of success and happiness!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 7,000-8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States each year. On average, five will die. Snake season is typically mid-March to mid-November. During the colder months of the year, snakes experience a form of hibernation called brumation. So why worry about North American pit vipers such as rattlesnakes, copperheads and water moccasins in the winter?  Bites actually can happen at any point. Snakes will occasionally wake up throughout the winter, especially if it’s warm and sunny, or if there is an earlier spring. They will get something to drink, spend time in a sunny spot, and then go back into their den. In southern states where the weather is much warmer year-round, snakes are always active. So it’s important to be aware of your surroundings no matter the season— as well as wearing snake gaiters to protect lower legs.

What to do if bitten by a venomous snake. The first step you should take after a venomous snakebite is to stay calm. Don’t panic. Your goal should be to seek immediate medical attention. Most hospitals have the resources and expertise to be able to get you through it. The next step is to note the time the bite happened and remove any jewelry or clothing that may cover or restrict the extremity. If possible, call 911 for an ambulance, or have a friend or family member drive you to the hospital. It is better to get care closer to the time of the snakebite, but the main goal is to get treated soon after being bitten by a snake. Elevate the bitten extremity at heart level or higher to help decrease swelling.

What not to do if bitten by a venomous snake. After being bitten by a venomous snake, do not try to kill the snake or capture the snake. It is imperative to remember that the snake is afraid and is trying to get away from you. There is no need to waste time trying to harm or capture the snake.  The most important step you can take is to get to the nearest health care facility so health care personnel can treat the wound. Contrary to some misinformation about treating a snakebite wound, victims should not cut the wound, try to suck the venom out of the wound, or use alcohol in an attempt to treat the wound. Do not apply heat or ice or use a tourniquet on the affected extremity. Do not drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages or take any drugs or medication prior to seeking care for the bite.

Symptoms of venomous vs. non-venomous bites. For individuals who may not know if they were bitten by a venomous or non-venomous snake, look out for these symptoms: within the first couple of hours after a venomous snakebite, the individual will often develop significant pain while trying to use the bitten extremity, and the individual will develop a fair amount of swelling and bruising.
Non-venomous bites are localized wounds that may have a small amount of tissue damage. With non-venomous bites, wash the bite with soap and water and observe it over the next 24-48 hours to make sure there are no signs of infection such as spreading redness or foul-smelling drainage. If there are signs of infection, make an appointment with a health care provider.

Treatment. While different health care institutions may have their own protocols for venomous snakebites, there are general steps that each institution will take to treat the bite. Early phases of care include  bloodwork so the physician can determine whether the venom has gotten into the bloodstream, wound measurements, providing pain relief, and assessment for systemic symptoms. Health care providers will then observe the bite for any signs of rapid onset pain and symptoms of bruising, swelling and limited limb mobility. Patients could be evaluated by a medical toxicologist who coordinates care in conjunction with the admitting physician. Once patients have been stabilized with antivenom, they are usually admitted overnight for observation. Some form of treatment may continue after discharge depending on the severity and circumstances.

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.

Rattlesnakes are native to the United States. There are about 20 species, with about as many subspecies. Like most snakes, rattlers prefer warm, sunny weather and dense vegetation. They live in deserts, mountainous regions, forests, and prairies. Rattlesnakes are carnivores that eat mice, voles, chipmunks, and other small mammals. Venomous rattlesnakes are part of the Viperidae family. When they feel threatened, these snakes make rattling noises by shaking the muscles at the base of their tail to scare off predators.  The warning rattle  has made it one of the most famous snakes in the world. Rattlesnakes live in most states, and their venom can be highly toxic to humans. In fact, rattlesnakes are the leading contributor to snakebite injuries in North America!

Which states have the highest population of rattlesnakes?  Well, if you are highly fearful of snakes, head to Alaska, Hawaii, Maine or Rhode Island because those states have none!  With 14 species, Arizona has more types of rattlesnakes than any other state, followed by 12 in California. Texas has 9 species, New Mexico has 7 and Utah has 6.  There’s no denying that potentially deadly pit vipers live in 46 of the 50 states, but some states could arguably be more dangerous to live in than others, based on the annual number of snake bites that occur.

North Carolina ranks the highest in snake bites in the USA. This southeastern state’s bite rate is 157.8 bites per million population per year.  In North Carolina, there are 6 different kinds of venomous snakes: copperhead, cottonmouth, timber rattlesnake, pigmy rattlesnake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, and eastern coral snake.

The top 6 states for reported snake bites are as follows:

    •    North Carolina–157.8 bites per million
    •    West Virginia–105.3 bites per million
    •    Arkansas–92.9 bites per million
    •    Oklahoma–61 bites per million
    •    Virginia–48.7 bites per million
    •    Texas–44.2 bites per million
     
Many experts classify the Mojave green rattlesnake, native to the Southwestern U.S. as well as Mexico, as the deadliest rattlesnake species on Earth. Its venom, which can be either hemotoxic or neurotoxic, can cause symptoms like vision impairment, difficulty swallowing and breathing, muscle weakness, severe body pain, convulsions, and death by cardiac arrest or respiratory failure if left untreated. However, it’s the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake that is responsible for the most snake bite deaths in the U.S.A.  Its venom is highly potent and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Its bite contains hemotoxic venom, capable of killing red blood cells and causing tissue damage. It can deliver 400-700 mg of venom in its bite, compared to 200-300 mg in the western diamondback rattlesnake, so its venom can lead to death. Untreated eastern diamondback rattlesnake bites have a fatality rate of 10 to 20 percent. It’s also one of the largest snakes in the U.S., growing to a max length of 8.5 feet and max weight of 34 pounds. About 25% of rattlesnake bites are "dry bites," meaning no venom was injected. But don't count on that!

How to avoid a rattlesnake bite

    •    Wear sturdy, high-top leather boots to protect the ankle area, where most bites occur.
    •    Wear snake gaiters to help protect lower legs.
    •    Stay on trails and watch where you place feet and hands, especially around logs and rocks and tall grass.
    •    Do not recreate with headphones or earbuds because you might not hear a warning rattle sound.    
    •    Do not try to catch, kill, provoke or move a rattlesnake.

What to do if bitten by a rattlesnake   

• Seek medical attention as quickly as possible, any way possible, if bitten.
• Stay calm.
• If hiking alone and help will take hours to reach you, it is a better option to slowly hike to the nearest trailhead or where you have cell reception and call 911. Report your location, when you were bitten and list of symptoms.
• Remove jewelry and tight clothing before you start to swell.
• If possible, clean the wound with soap and water. Cover it with a clean, dry dressing but don't put any pressure on the wound site.
• Symptoms of a venomous snakebite can include puncture marks, redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding or blistering around the bite, severe pain and tenderness at the site of the bite, nausea and vomiting, labored breathing, rapid heart rate, weak pulse, low blood pressure, and disturbed vision.
• If dogs are bitten by a rattlesnake, contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency hospital as quickly as possible.

Map and other information for this article courtesy of a-z-animals.com.

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!

Rattlesnakes are most commonly encountered from spring through October, and then they are presumed to hibernate. But that's not exactly true, depending on where you live. Snakes are more reactive to consistently cold weather, rather than a change of seasons. Rattlesnakes are even known to move around during extended warm periods during winter months, especially if they hole up in a stump or other location that can be warmed easily by sunshine. Snakes become sluggish anywhere below 60 degrees° F, so as long as warmer temps prevail, as it seems to be doing this Fall, please be diligent and wear snake gaiters (lower leg protection) when outside raking leaves, stacking firewood , hunting, or hiking.  A steady temperature drop is a signal for the snake to enter brumation (similar to hibernation), but that’s not nessarily  happening yet.

Snakes do not actually hibernate, rather they become less active during cold weather. It is called "brumation."  Brumation is an extreme slowing down of their metabolism. Snakes are awake, but just very lethargic so you don't see them moving around. In late Autumn, snakes move back to the previous year’s den. If a sudden cold snap catches them before they get there, they may die if not fortunate enough to  find a suitable secondary den. They usually do not stay long at the den entrance, but hurry in for the long winter sleep. A number of species may share the same den. For example, black rat snakes, timber rattlesnakes and copperheads commonly den together. Sometimes there will be as many as 100 snakes in one cave. A group site is called a hibernaculum.

Cold-blooded animals like snakes, fish, frogs, and turtles need to spend the winter inactive, or dormant,  because they have no way to keep warm. Snakes will crawl into any area free from frost such as caves, hollow logs, holes under trees and stumps, under wood piles, in other animal's burrows, and occasionally in a person's basement, barn, or outbuilding. Snakes will increase their intake of food before brumation occurs, if they can.  Not all snakes will survive brumation. A skinny snake will not survive. If the snake feeds heavily before they hibernate, and have digested their meal before the cooling starts, they will be OK.  If food is in their stomach or intestines when they cool, it will rot and kill them. Vipers can also brumate during normal conditions, due to a loss of food, but normally when they become dormant it corresponds with extreme temperature changes.

On warmer days in late October and November, early spring, or even during winters, brumating rattlesnakes sometimes come out of their dens to bask in the sunshine. Nice sunny days that follow a long cold snap are often when people are surprised by rattlers. Just like humans, snakes head out to enjoy the sun and unsuspecting hikers can startle them and cause them to strike. Generally, rattlesnakes emerge from their pseudo-hibernation in March or April, or when the average daytime temperatures reach and remain about 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius) and higher.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 7,000 to 8,000 people get bitten by venomous snakes each year in the USA (mostly by the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, Western Pygmy Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake, Cottonmouth, Copperhead, and Coral snake), resulting in 8 to 15 deaths. That number is reason enough to always wear  snake gaiters when in the desert or the woods. If you do, you won't have to worry so much about the temperature or the season.

Rattlesnake range is extensive— from southern Canada to central Argentina. The thickest concentration is in the US Southwest and northern Mexico, according to the National Wildlife Federation. The estimated 36 rattlesnake species are adaptable, living in forests, grasslands, swamps and deserts Rattlesnakes are "pit vipers" with heat-detecting pits on their heads. Other US snakes in that family are copperheads and cottonmouths, also called water moccasins. These latter two species are concentrated in the central and eastern United States, whereas multiple species of rattlesnakes range across the United States. Fully grown rattlesnakes are typically between 36 and 46 inches long. Most pit vipers typically deliver a "hemotoxic" venom that attacks the circulation system, destroying blood vessels and causing tissue damage. The only other venomous snakes in the United States are coral snakes. Known for their bright bands of red, yellow and black, they are in a different snake family that's related to cobras. They deliver a neurotoxin that disrupts nerve transmission and can cause respiratory failure and paralysis.

Where do snakes hide?
Rattlesnakes constantly hunt for shelter. They hide under logs and in stump holes. They also like woodpiles, thick brush and spaces under boulders, experts say.  Pit vipers some times take up residence where people live and work— especially if hiding spots and their food supply (mostly small rodents and lizards) are plentiful.  However, rodents are much more likely to get into your house than snakes. If snakes do get into your house, it's most likely you have a rodent infestation. In this respect, rattlesnakes play a key role in balancing the environment. They're mostly eating mice and rats— they're out there doing free pest control.

Do people die from snake bite?
Deaths in the USA from venomous snakes are rare. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 7,000 to 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States each year. About five of those people die. While human death from a rattlesnake bite is rare, bites will cause a great deal of pain and almost always require a hospital visit to prevent further complications. "The number of deaths would be much higher if people did not seek medical care," the CDC says. World estimates for death by venomous snakebite are much higher -- 81,000 to 138,000 each year.

Rattlesnakes are also afraid of us
Rattlesnakes' reclusive nature is one reason why there aren't more incidents. The rattlesnake actually views humans as a predator; we're a large animal that could eat him. And they're afraid of us, say experts. Rattlesnakes tend to stay hidden. When we encounter a snake on the move, he's usually looking for food or looking for a mate or looking for shelter. Otherwise, he stays hidden because they're so vulnerable to all sorts of predators. Rattlesnakes are "sit-and-wait predators. Some will sit in one place for over a week waiting on a meal. So when there's an encounter, people have generally encroached on their territory.

What to do if a rattlesnake bites you
If you are bitten,  seek medical attention as quickly as possible say the experts. If you can, call 911 to come get you. You'll know if you have a serious bite in just a couple of minutes; you can start to feel tingling in your face. According to the California Poison Control System, other symptoms could include:

•  Extreme pain and swelling at the bite
• Lots of bleeding
• Nausea, lightheadedness and drooling
• Swelling in the mouth and throat

But what if you can't make that SOS call?

• Keep your heartbeat as low as possible. It takes a while for the venom to work. Don't run, but get yourself somewhere you can make a phone call immediately. There's nothing to really help you from the venom except the serum.
• Stay as calm as possible and deep breathe. Don’t let yourself fall asleep.
• If possible, use a marker or pen and circle where you were bitten in case of swelling. Medical personnel will need to know the bite point.
• Remove jewelry such as rings and tight clothing before you start to swell.

What NOT to do if a rattlesnake bites you

• The best emergency response to a snakebite is car keys and a cell phone!
• Don't employ the out-of-date advice of cut-and-suck (cutting an X at the bite area and sucking the venom out by mouth or suction cups). It's very ineffective; people are likely to do more damage from the knife cut than from the snake bite.
• Do not elevate the affected area! Keep the bite below the level of the heart.
• Don't try to kill the snake to bring to the hospital, and don't take a picture of it unless you can do so easily. Don't comprise your safety by forcing another interaction with an already defensive rattlesnake. Your response to a bite should be the same no matter which type of pit viper bites you.
• Don't apply ice or cold packs to the bite .
• Don't use Advil, Motrin or other nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Don’t apply a tourniquet to a pit viper bite. That venom is concentrated and it works like an acid. It breaks down blood vessels and multiple skin tissues. If you confine that venom in that area, you're apt to lose a limb from that. If you allow it to spread, you're more apt to keep your hand or fingers.

How to avoid a snake bite
Rattlesnakes are most active in spring and fall, but vigilance is important all year. Snakes really can venture out in winter on a sunny day.  Always be careful where you put your hands and your feet, especially when working around woodpiles or clearing brush. Wear thick gloves. If you're reaching under your house, shine a light under there first to make sure the coast is clear.

• Wear closed-toe shoes or snake proof boots that fangs cannot penetrate. Snake gaiters help protect your lower legs. Snake chaps offer more coverage than just your lower legs.
• Make plenty of noise and vibration while walking. Stick to well-used trails.
• Go around a rattlesnake on a wilderness trail if you spot one.
• If you find a rattlesnake in your yard, call agencies such as your state's natural resources departments or US Fish & Wildlife or contact a biologist at a local college. Do not try to kill the rattlesnake because that's when most people get bit.
• If you must deal with a rattlesnake on your own,  use a long branch or pole to gently nudge the snake toward an escape route if you're at least six feet or more away.
• What do you do if you hear that bone-chilling rattle? Experts say if he's rattling, he's alarmed. If you can tell where the snake is, back away. Don't approach. Rattling does not necessarily occur  before every bite.