How to Survive a Rattlesnake Attack
Rattlesnakes are deadly, but at least they are polite. Of the more than 100 snake species in the United States, the rattlesnake is one of the few that warns you before plunging its fangs into you, injecting venom. However, many people manage to bite them every year. Here’s what you should do if you hear this rattling sound and how to survive if you get bitten.
Rattlesnakes, and most snakes in general, are not aggressive and will not chase you. They only strike when they are threatened, mistreated, or accidentally touched by someone who cannot see them while walking or climbing. However, there are about 8,000 venomous snakebites in the United States each year, with an average of 10 to 15 deaths , so knowing how to avoid them is good. Here’s what the USDA recommends :
- Always wear boots and thick socks that cover your ankle, and never go barefoot or wear sandals in areas where snakes of any kind can meet. Loose fit trousers are also a good idea.
- Stick to well-used trails and avoid tall grass, weeds, and dense undergrowth where snakes tend to hide.
- Never stick your hands or feet in or near crevices that you cannot look into.
- Step on large rocks or fallen trees in your path, not over them. The snake could hide out of sight on the other side.
- Be careful when grabbing onto anything, be it stones, logs or sticks, even in water. Rattlesnakes swim well. If you need something to move, roll it over to the snake could get away from you in a different direction. If they feel trapped, they will bite you.
- Always check tree stumps, rocks and logs before sitting down. And shake sleeping bags before each use.
- Don’t provoke, disturb, harm, or try to catch any snakes you come across. The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center notes that nearly 70% of the reptile bites they deal with are from humans provoking the animal that bit them.
A loud rattling sound is a sure sign that you have angered the rattlesnake. But, as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife explains , the rattlesnake’s rattle isn’t always present. Sometimes they break off and get lost, or they may not develop properly when the snake was young. Other snakes, such as the non-venomous gopher snake, will even mimic rattlesnakes by flattening their heads and vibrating their tails.
You will probably know that you are dealing with a rattlesnake when it has a triangular head, a slender “neck” and a body that expands towards the tail. There will also be visible holes between the nostrils and eyes, used as heat sensors, but hopefully you’ll never be close enough to see them.
If you hear a warning rattlesnake crackle, move away from the sound area slowly and do not make sudden movements. Again, most snake bites happen when people are handling animals. And even if you think the snake is dead or that you killed it, stay away from it. Freshly killed snakescan still bite and inject venom .
If you are bitten, try to stay calm to keep your heart rate low and call 911. Not all bites cause poisoning — about 25% are dry bites, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. According to the US National Library of Medicine , you will know if the poison was injected almost immediately. You may experience shortness of breath, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, nausea and vomiting, numbness, weakness, intense thirst, and even paralysis.
Do not make incisions over the bite wound to “release the poison”, apply a tourniquet to prevent the poison from spreading, apply ice or cold objects to the bite site, and do not try to suck the poison out with your mouth — it’s no better there than in your bloodstream. In fact, most complications and limb amputations are due to people getting icy or using tourniquets. Also, do not take or use any medication unless specifically advised by your doctor, and do not ingest anything, especially caffeine or alcohol .
The bite will be very painful, but you will have to fight it. Fortunately, if you can get to the doctor within a couple of hours (don’t waste time) and their facilities are properly equipped, they can treat you with a highly effective antidote and you will be fine.
Until then, keep the bite below heart level, stop moving the bitten area as much as possible to reduce blood flow (an improvised splint may help), and remove any watches, rings, or other objects that might shrink when you start to swell (you swell, if poison has been injected.) When you can, wash the bite wound with soap and water as you make your way to the nearest medical facility.