In the United States, snake season is typically mid-March to mid-November. During the colder months of the year, pit vipers experience a form of hibernation called brumation. Brumation is an extreme slowing down of a snake’s metabolism. Rattlesnakes are awake, but just very lethargic so you don't see them moving around much. Rattlesnakes will usually search for underground dens during the winter to stay warm. Rattlers tend to form a hibernaculum, and pile into one spot that will have a fairly steady temperature throughout the winter. Oftentimes it’s a lava tube or cave. A hidden setting that typically holds at about 55 degrees is ideal for brumation. In populated areas, an unused basement in a house or an outbuilding can serve the same purpose. 

Although we know that rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths are most commonly encountered from early spring through late fall, pit vipers are known to move around during extended warm periods even during the dead of winter. This is especially true if they hole up in a stump or other location that can be warmed easily by sunshine. On warmer days in winter, 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 humans can startle them and cause them to strike. Better to be safe than sorry and wear snake gaiters (lower leg protection) when doing yardwork, cutting and stacking firewood, hunting, or hiking during warmer sunny winter days. 

Of course it’s important to keep yourself safe when working or recreating in snake country, but also keep in mind that rattlesnakes aren’t inherently bad. They are natural predators of rodents, which can carry diseases and damage crops, so by controlling rodent populations, rattlesnakes help maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem. Some of their venom even has medicinal potential for humans. Research into rattlesnake venom has led to the development of drugs for various conditions including cancer, pain, and heart problems. Other components of rattlesnake venom are being studied for their potential to treat a range of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s.

If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or get to the nearest hospital for anti-venom treatment. Don’t use a tourniquet or apply ice. Don’t cut the bite or try to remove the venom. Don’t drink caffeine or alcohol. Don’t take pain-relieving medicine, because doing so can increase your risk of bleeding. While survival from a rattlesnake bite without antivenom is probable, it's a serious and very painful medical emergency that can lead to severe complications and death if left untreated. Don’t take a chance! Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial for the best chance of recovery.

In recent years, doctors have noticed a troubling pattern: more patients are arriving in emergency rooms with snake bites. Some hospitals surpassed last year’s totals before summer even ended, and poison control centers confirm the trend with steady calls from people bitten in their yards, driveways, and gardens. The surge has everyone paying close attention this Fall, especially since it is leaf peeping season in many areas, and hunting season is also in full swing.

Rattlesnakes are most commonly encountered from early spring through late fall, and then they are presumed to hibernate. A steady temperature drop does signal a snake to enter brumation, similar to hibernation, but  as long as warmer temps prevail, as it seems to be doing this year in many regions, copperheads, cottonmouths, and rattlesnakes are still out and about. 

Brumation is an extreme slowing down of a snake’s metabolism. Rattlesnakes are awake, but just very lethargic so you don't see them moving around. 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 the dead of winter, especially if they hole up in a stump or other location that can be warmed easily by sunshine. Many states are having a warm and wet autumn season, which increases the food supply (small mammals) for pit vipers that have heat-sensitive pits in front of each eye to help locate prey.

Snakes become sluggish anywhere below 60 degrees° F, so it’s better to be safe than sorry and wear snake gaiters (lower leg protection) when raking leaves, stacking firewood, hunting, or hiking. On warmer days in late Fall, 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 humans can startle them and cause them to strike.

The unmistakable sound of a rattlesnake’s tail is one of the most feared warnings, but that sound could actually help prevent a bite. But do not count on it. Remember that most rattlesnakes don’t rattle to begin with. “In the wild, they rarely rattle,” experts say. “The majority of rattlesnake encounters that a person’s going to have out there are going to be ones that they never even know about.” Never assume a rattlesnake will rattle before striking.

It’s interesting to know that venom glands for a snake are in the head, and they inject venom through fangs that act like a hypodermic needle. When a snake bites, it compress the muscles over the glands that funnels the venom down the fang. This is why the viper species of snakes have a big triangular head. They have that very beefy triangular head and that’s because of those big venom glands that are on the side of the head towards the back.

There are about 20 species of rattlesnakes found in nearly all parts of the U.S. except for Alaska and Hawaii. They can be found in all sorts of different terrain, from river bottoms to mountain elevations of 8,000 feet or more. They particularly like hiding under logs, inside rock crevices, or in vegetation along trails.  If you are bitten, seek medical attention immediately, say the experts. If you can, call 911 to come get you.

“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.

Recent research suggests a potential link between rattlesnake bite frequency and weather patterns, particularly periods of drought and precipitation, as observed in California, and heavy snowpacks that occur in other states such as Utah and Colorado. One of the reasons that rattlesnake activity can increase in any given year is food availability. The more precipitation, the more food — especially rodents, key prey for snakes. Typically you would see an uptick in snake encounters delayed a season or two as more vegetation gives way to larger rodent populations, but not always. Greater abundance of food would also lead to activity such as mate searching among rattlesnakes, potentially making them more visible.

While spiders and snakes commonly top lists of the creatures people fear most, both are valuable natural mechanisms that regulate bug and rodent populations. Rattlesnakes help maintain a balance. Beyond regulating rodent populations,  rattlesnakes help regulate the diseases rodents sometimes carry, including Lyme disease, by consuming both the rodents and the ticks living on the rodents. In Arizona, for example, there are 13 species of rattlesnakes, but in the Phoenix metropolitan area there's six species which you can run into.

If you have accidentally come within biting range while hiking, hunting, or simply clearing brush on your property, you likely know that rattlesnakes rarely bite without provocation since you are still here to tell the tale! But that’s just the thing — while most people would never purposely provoke a snake, it is easy to accidentally startle them but stepping too close because you didn't see it. Or by accidentally moving a log or rock wall under which they are hiding.  

Sometimes you will hear a rattle as a warning you are too close, but not always.  The rattle, a series of hollow interlocked segments at the tip of the tail, is used to warn potential predators or to distract prey. While most rattlesnakes are known for their rattles, not all rattlesnakes have rattles, and some species may have lost theirs entirely or are in the process of doing so. The loss of rattles could be due to various factors, including the snake's environment, prey type, or even the presence of other predators. It’s interesting to note that you cannot  determine a rattlesnake's age based solely on the number of rattle segments, as rattlesnakes shed their skin and add a new segment each time, not annually, and they can also lose segments. Whether the pit viper has rattles or not, and does or does not use them, take the scouting motto to heart:  “Be Prepared.” It’s better to be safe than sorry when in snake country in the desert or woods, so help protect your lower legs by wearing snake gaiters.

With more people out on the trails, the likelihood of running into a rattlesnake increases. After all, perfect weather for us is also the perfect weather for rattlesnakes. If a rattlesnake bites you, call 911 or get to the nearest medical facility quickly to get anti-venom. The worst thing you can do is listen to old myths about rattlesnake bites. Don't pour whiskey on it, don't pour alcohol on it. Do not tourniquet the wound or try to suck out the venom. A snake bite will land you in the hospital for over a day, and pain symptoms from a bite could last for months. Death, while rare, is a very real concern.

As far as predicting the number of rattlesnake bites, officials lack definitive data tying weather to incidents, but it makes a good common sense hypothesis for why we would see an increase in rattlesnake activity following years with “extra” precipitation in the form of rain and snow.

Can rattlesnakes climb trees?

Yes!  Rattlesnakes can climb trees, but are not as good at climbing as other snakes such as  gophersnakes, kingsnakes, or coachwhips.  A variety of species have been photographed high up in tree branches, including Black-tailed Rattlesnakes, Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes, Speckled Rattlesnakes, Tiger Rattlesnakes, Timber Rattlesnakes, and Banded Rock Rattlesnakes.  If there are rough surfaces (tree bark and limbs) to grip, they might climb to hunt prey (birds and squirrels) or escape predators. They may also climb to escape potential flood water during the monsoon season. Fully grown rattlesnakes are heavier and less likely to climb as compared to young rattlesnakes.

Which state has the most rattlesnakes?
Arizona has the most types of rattlesnakes. Depending on location, the species that are encountered most often are the Western Diamondback, Sidewinder, Mojave, and Black-tailed rattlesnakes. The Mohave rattlesnake is known to be the most dangerous venomous snake in the Sonoran Desert. Quick to go on the defensive, the Mohave has very toxic venom that has caused human fatalities. It is interesting to note, however, that Texas has more venomous snake BITE incidences per year than any other state, followed by North Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

Do all rattlesnakes rattle?
The rattle, a series of hollow interlocked segments at the tip of the tail, is used to warn potential predators or to distract prey. While most rattlesnakes are known for their rattles, not all rattlesnakes have rattles, and some species may have lost theirs entirely or are in the process of doing so. Some rattlesnake species, like the Santa Catalina Rattlesnake, have lost their rattles possibly because they don't need them in their environment or to aid in hunting. The loss of rattles could be due to various factors, including the snake's environment, prey type, or even the presence of other predators. It’s interesting to note that you cannot  determine a rattlesnake's age based solely on the number of rattle segments, as rattlesnakes shed their skin and add a new segment each time, not annually, and they can also lose segments.

What do rattesnakes fear?
Rattlesnakes, like most animals, generally fear humans and will try to avoid them, but will strike if they feel threatened, are cornered, or accidentally stepped on or near by a hiker. They are also sensitive to noise, vibrations, and certain odors. Stomping your feet or making loud noises can deter them. Some scents, like garlic, onions, lemongrass, and white vinegar, are believed to be repellent to snakes. Rattlesnakes have natural predators, including coyotes, kingsnakes, birds of prey, roadrunners, and even stock animals.

Does temperature affect rattlesnakes?
Rattlesnakes are cold-blooded and rely on their surroundings for heat, so they are generally not active in cold weather. However, it’s important to remember that snake bites can and do occur at any time of the year, especially in southern states where the weather is much warmer year-round. On an unseasonably warm sunny day in winter or very early spring, rattlesnakes will come out of their dens in search of a drink of water and then will sun themselves on a rock.  In the hot summer months, rattlesnakes need to find sheltered places out of the sun to keep from overheating— shady places along or under logs, rocks, heavy shrub or woodpiles, even the foundations of buildings.

About 7,000 to 8,000 people are bitten each year by snakes, but thanks to effective antivenins, most do not prove fatal. Even so, bites are extremely painful, require immediate medical attention, and each vial of snake antivenin costs thousands of dollars!  The average snake bite victim requires anywhere from a few vials to dozens of them — it depends on factors like the size of the patient, the potency of venom in the bite and how quickly the patient is treated. The more vials of anti-venom that are needed, the higher the cost— and insurance often doesn’t cover much of it. Don't take a chance!  Durable, protective snake gaiters for your lower legs can help protect your lower legs when working, hiking, hunting or recreating in the desert or woods where rattlesnakes and other pit vipers are known to live.

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.