The North Pacific Rattlesnake is poisonous.
Rattlesnake venom can kill large animals and humans, but rattlesnake bites on humans are rarely fatal. The United States typically sees around 8,000 rattlesnake bites a year, but only a dozen of these victims end up succumbing to the venom. Even if death does not occur, rattlesnake venom can cause blood clotting problems and tissue damage, and some species of rattlesnakes secrete venom that can cause paralysis. Many rattlesnake bites are known as “dry bites” or bites in which the snake is unable to secrete venom. Snakes often use dry bites as a self-defense mechanism, while fully venomous bites are often reserved for hunting prey.
Rattlesnakes can be found in Death Valley.
The danger of a rattlesnake bite generally varies depending on the species of snake. The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, native to the deserts of southwestern North America, is considered one of the most dangerous snakes on that continent, although it is not considered the most venomous. The Mojave rattlesnake, whose venom is capable of causing paralysis in humans, is also considered quite dangerous. Other snakes, such as the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, have more toxic venom but are generally considered less threatening because, as a species, they are generally less aggressive and less likely to attack.
Mojave rattlesnake bites can cause paralysis and require intensive physical therapy to regain motor control.
Wild rattlesnake bites are believed to be relatively rare. Experts believe that the majority of rattlesnake bites, at least in developed countries like the United States, come from pet rattlesnakes. Snake owners can inadvertently irritate snakes while handling them, causing bites.
Rattlesnakes do not normally attack humans or other large animals unless they feel extremely threatened. Even when rattlesnakes attack humans, they often do so simply as a self-defense maneuver to give them time to escape. These bites do not typically inject rattlesnake venom into the victim’s flesh.
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is considered one of the most dangerous snakes in North America.
Improper first aid treatment may be partly responsible for the negative consequences of rattlesnake bites. Home remedies for snake bites often support trying to remove the rattlesnake’s venom by cutting or sucking on the bite wound. Other popular myths claim that placing a tourniquet over the bite area, cooling the bite area with ice, or even applying electricity to the bite area can prevent rattlesnake venom from spreading throughout the body. In fact, these treatments can further complicate the emergency, increasing the risk of infection, tissue damage, and loss of limbs for the bitten victim.
Wild rattlesnake bites are believed to be relatively rare.
Symptoms of a rattlesnake bite can take several hours to appear. Emergency medical help should usually be sought immediately. In general, the longer you wait for medical help, the more dangerous the poison becomes. Generally, the victim should remain calm and still until help arrives. With proper treatment, almost all rattlesnake bite victims recover within a few weeks.