Rattlesnakes are among the most feared snakes in the United States and encounters with them can be intense.
It only takes a single bite from one of these slithering creatures to create a serious situation. Things can go from bad to worse in the blink of an eye, especially if you’re far from assistance.
Luckily, you can do several things during rattlesnake encounters to keep yourself and those around you safe.
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Be sure to read 5 Hidden Dangers of the Sonoran Desert before making your final decision to trek out there!
Where Do Rattlesnakes Live in the United States?
Despite what you might have heard, almost every state in the United States has rattlesnakes. The only states that do not have them are Hawaii, Maine, Rhode Island, and Alaska. You might consider moving to one of these states if you want the best chance of avoiding them.
The states with the largest populations are generally in the western and southwestern regions of the country. These include Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and California. However, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Kansas also have ideal environments for rattlesnake habitats.
You’ll likely encounter them in grasslands, deserts, rocky hillsides, and woodlands. These environments make it easy for them to blend in and hunt for food. As a result, you must be aware of your surroundings and know how to respond should you encounter a rattlesnake.
How Common are Rattlesnake Encounters?
While rattlesnake encounters are typically relatively common, the frequency significantly depends on several factors. Things like the location, season, and human activities often determine the frequency of these encounters.
However, while rattlesnake encounters aren’t uncommon, the snakes aren’t hunting down humans. Their keen senses allow them to detect when humans are around. As a result, they’ll often make their escape to avoid any potential danger. Unfortunately, like many of us, they’re sometimes caught off-guard or surprised. This is when these encounters can get dangerous.
The Wrong Way to Handle a Rattlesnake Encounter
If you encounter a rattlesnake in the wild, you must respond appropriately. They’re swift, and things can go south fast if you’re not careful. Let’s look at the wrong way to handle these encounters.
Ignoring the Rattling Sound
Most rattlesnakes will use the rattle on their tails as a warning sound. If you hear this distinct noise, you should stop in your tracks. Use it to help you locate the snake and start planning your escape. This is simply a warning, letting you know that the animal feels threatened and is preparing to defend itself.
By ignoring the rattling sound, you’re only increasing the chances of a bite. If you’re in the wild, you’re in their environment and home. They’ll defend themselves and their home from anything threatening it.
One of the many negative aspects of social media is that it can cause people to lose common sense. Many people have risked it all to capture the next viral images or video clips. Unfortunately, no amount of likes or comments is worth putting yourself in danger.
If you choose to capture the encounter for social media, make sure you do it responsibly. Some content creators try to escalate the situation for dramatic effect. However, this often promotes the harassment and handling of wild animals, including rattlesnakes. Always respect wildlife and their natural behaviors during any wildlife encounters.
Underestimating Their Striking Range
Another mistake you don’t want to make is underestimating a rattlesnake’s striking range. Many people are unaware that a rattlesnake can strike almost its entire body length. You could easily find yourself within its reach if you’re not careful.
Also, judging a snake’s length can be very challenging, especially when coiled. This adds to the increased difficulty of estimating the reptile’s striking range. Stay as far away as possible if you hear or see a rattlesnake. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Attempting to Kill the Snake
As mentioned, most rattlesnakes don’t have it out for humans. They’re equally as afraid of you as you are of them. However, they will defend themselves when threatened. If you give them space and keep your distance, there’s a good chance they’ll go on their way. Attempting to kill the snake will require getting closer to the animal and can quickly escalate the encounter.
Humans and snakes can coexist. Just because you may not be a fan of the creature doesn’t mean it deserves to die. If you plan to spend time in nature, you must respect any wildlife you encounter. Again, you’re the one that came into their environment.
Disregarding Local Regulations
Many areas with rattlesnake populations have rules and regulations to help protect both humans and wildlife. Ignoring these regulations could land you in hot water with law enforcement, especially in a national park.
Officials take these violations very seriously. Fines and punishments can be extremely severe if you disregard regulations when encountering a rattlesnake. You could face fines of thousands of dollars and get banned from national parks for several years. Violating the regulations isn’t worth the increased danger or potential punishments.
What to Do When Bit By a Rattlesnake
If a rattlesnake encounter results in a bite, you must respond immediately. These situations can be dire. How you respond could mean the difference between life and death.
Stay Calm
While it may be easier said than done, the most important thing to do after a rattlesnake bite is to stay calm. Panicking will often increase your heart rate, which will cause the venom to spread through your bloodstream faster.
Additionally, avoid the temptation to run. You must remain as calm as possible to keep your heart rate low. Remaining calm can also help you to think clearly, which is essential to make informed decisions during the chaos.
Call for Emergency Medical Help
When possible, one of the first things you’ll do is to call for emergency medical help. During these chaotic situations, every second matters. The quicker you call for medical assistance, the sooner they’ll be able to arrive on the scene. In many areas, emergency medical services have the necessary antivenom to administer to treat venomous snake bites.
Once you’re able to contact medical assistance, continue to remain calm. Give them as much information as you can regarding your location. They may even dispatch park rangers or other officials to your location when possible. These individuals can offer assistance until further help can arrive on the scene.
Position the Bite Below the Heart
While you wait for assistance, be sure to position the bite below the heart. By doing so, you slow the spread of the venom and reduce swelling in the impacted area. This also gives you the best chance of avoiding damage or impact to the tissue surrounding the bite.
Positioning the bite below the heart can help buy you some time. However, ensuring the victim is as comfortable as possible is also essential. Keeping them comfortable can help them remain calm and keep their heart rate down.
Do Not Cut or Suck the Wound
A common misconception is that you should cut the wound, place a tourniquet, or suck the venom out of the injury. However, these are outdated methods that officials have determined are ineffective. Not only are these methods ineffective, but research shows that they could make the situation much worse.
Instead, focus on keeping the victim calm. Offer them water and keep them comfortable until help can arrive. The key to surviving these encounters is to remain calm and get antivenom as soon as possible.
Monitor Vital Signs
While waiting for help, you’ll want to continue monitoring the individual’s vital signs. These include their heart rate, blood pressure, and ability to breathe. These are some of the most important indicators of the severity of the situation.
Additionally, keep an eye on the bite site. Watch for swelling, bruising, and discoloration and report any changes to the emergency services operator. They’ll relay the information to medical assistance as they’re on their way.
Stay Safe Around Rattlesnakes
Rattlesnakes are very dangerous, and you should take precautions in their environment in an attempt to avoid an encounter with them. Watch where you step and only reach into areas you can see. Because snakes can feel your steps, many hikers carry sticks to hit rocks to avoid surprising snakes on the trail. Luckily, the risks of getting bitten are very low, especially if you keep your distance from them.
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