Rattlesnakes

From WildernessWiki.org

Rattlesnakes are pit vipers of genea Crotalus and Sistrurus of family Viperidae, one of two venemous families in the United States. Rattlesnakes have a geographic range from southern Canada to Northern Argentina, though they may be more sparse in some areas. Rattlensakes are typically nocturnal animals.

Description

Rattlesnakes can vary in size from the Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius) being the smallest around 18 inches, to the Eastern Diamondback (Crotalus adamanteus) being the largest at over 7 feet. No matter what the size, ALL Rattlesnakes are extremely dangerous and care should be taken if you are near them. They can strike at speeds of up to 175 miles per hour.

Venom is delivered via two teeth which are like hypodermic needles called solenoglyphous fangs connected to the venom glands. Venom from Rattlesnakes is mostly hemotoxic (blood) with some neurotoxic (nerve) venoms. The primary action is through hemotoxic methods.

Rattlesnakes typically have a thick, strong body with a short tail and triangle-shaped head. Just forward of the eyes but behind the nostrils are two "pits" used for detecting prey by way of heat signatures as they are nocturnal.

As with most snakes, rattlensakes are myopic (near-sighted) and though are capable of seeing a wide range of colors during the day, rely on movement, scent, and heat signatures to locate prey.

Temperment

Rattlesnakes are considered to be non-aggressive but will strike if they feel they are cornered. Because rattlesnakes tend to hide among rocks, fallen timber, under construction material, and in general, under anything providing shade during the day, when found, they usually are cornered. When alarmed, rattlesnakes will alert the area with a tell-tale rattle sound produced by their tail scales. Simply avoiding this sound and walking away from it should guarantee safety.

Treatment & First Aid

If envenomated, a round of 'Crofab' antivenom is the most common form of treatment. Rattlesnake envomation is very expensive costing close to $150,000 for medical expenses not including the cost and time of rehabilitation. There is a 99% survival rate if properly treated within the first hour or two after envenomation.

If you are bitten by a Rattlesnake:

• DO NOT make any incision
• DO NOT apply suction using a mouth
• DO NOT apply pressure or squeeze at the point of entry
• DO NOT use a tourniquet and binding device
• DO NOT use ice or immersion in water
• DO NOT inject anti-venom
• DO NOT use a stun gun or any form of electric shock as treatment

• DO use an extractor
• DO get to a hospital immediately
• DO remain calm
• DO try to limit physical activity to as little as possible
• DO immobilize the area bitten and keep it below the heart level
• DO attempt to identify the species and size of the snake

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