This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Living in Rattlesnake Country (April 22, 2017)

Clinic sponsored by Gold Country Wildlife Rescue, Michael D. Caldwell, M. S., Presenter*

Part 1 of this fascinating presentation was designed to:

• provide accurate information and dispel myths
• increase understanding and reduce fear
• introduce “rules” to avoid interaction/bites
• provide up-to-date first aid recommendations for bite victims
• better understand the benefits of research

What we didn’t know (before attending this clinic):

• anecdotal evidence suggests that rattlesnakes might be intellectually capable of modifying their environment to enhance hunting (video of snake adjusting grass to enhance view of kangaroo mouse hole)
• home range for females is ~ 14 acres; males ~ 78 acres (Note:  females are less mobile than males particularly during breeding season that runs from late spring to early fall).  Hibernation is from ~ early November (colder temps) to late March (warmer temps).
• litter size is ~8 and may result from multiple paternities (females can store sperm for 2-3 years from multiple “mates” and hence, have the ability to fertilize eggs over a period of time from different males). Snakes give birth to live young, not eggs (baby rattles look like buttons).
• once the young are old enough to leave the rookery (nest) there is some evidence to suggest that they return to the home/family site.  There are snakes in the Appalachian area that have been observed engaging in family social groups.
• the number of rattles is NOT necessarily related to age; rather, snakes grow a new rattle every time they shed (skin/keratin layer) and they may shed more than once a year or once every few years
• bites usually occur during breeding season (late spring to early fall) and most bites are by males (up to 83%)
• rattlesnakes are pit vipers which means that there is a small pit below the eye and next to the nostril and this is how they sense heat . . . what we didn’t know is that there is evidence to suggest that this may be the means by which they can actually create an image of their prey.
• rattlesnakes can tightly coil when it rains and “drink” the water collected between the tight coils.
• natural prey:  lizards, small rodents . . . what we didn’t know is that California Ground Squirrels are thought to be immune to rattlesnake venom. Humans are NOT natural prey and in most cases snakes will avoid contact/interaction.
• natural predators:  coyotes, raptors, sometimes foxes, and King snakes.  Anecdotal evidence suggests that wild turkeys will attack and kill rattlesnakes.  Coyotes will “tease” the rattlesnake out of the coil, grab the tail end and whack the snake on the ground until it can be killed.
• the difference between “poisonous” and “venomous”:  Poison doesn’t have a delivery system, one must be created and poison must be ingested; venom has its own delivery system.  Rattlesnake venom is very complex and consists of neurotoxins, protein destructive enzymes, blood coagulants, products that facilitate rapid absorption . . . what we didn’t know is that different species of rattlesnakes have different “venom” content.  For example, Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes (in our area) have venom that contains high levels of protein destructive enzymes; hence, when a victim is bitten, necrosis will occur.  A Mojave Rattlesnake (found in high desert areas) has venom that contains higher levels of neurotoxins (see slides in slideshow).
• Myth:  Baby rattlesnakes can’t control their venom and deliver more dangerous and multiple bites.  Truth:  The average venom yield for an adult snake is almost 100 times the amount of a baby snake.  Michael Caldwell said he’d MUCH rather get bit by a baby!
• Myth:  People frequently die from rattlesnake bites.  Truth:  There are approximately 8,000 bites in the United States annually; less than .1% of those are fatal (~ 5/8000).  Those who die usually have some form of allergic reaction to the venom or anti-venom.
• Who gets bitten most frequently?  Young males 18-25 years of age usually in the process of attempting to kill a rattlesnake and after having consumed large quantities of alcohol.  Women are rarely treated for rattlesnake bites (ER statistics).

Part 2:  First Aid for Rattlesnakes Bites (and bite prevention)

• most bites occur in wilderness or uninhabited areas
• if you encounter a snake, stay at a distance of at least twice the length of the snake – they strike when they are coiled
• if you successfully kill a rattlesnake (usually with a shovel or heavy tool with a long handle), bury the head as it remains “active” for 1-2 hours after death (nerves will constrict causing the “bite” action to occur)
• give the snake a wide berth or wait for it to move (the wait might be long, but worth it)
• if you stay away, this reduces the likelihood of a strike and/or bite
• if a bite happens, call for help or transport immediately to a hospital emergency department (Note:  Urgent Care Clinics do not carry anti-venom – only hospitals do).
• paramedics know how to inform emergency room personnel of the nature of the incident/bite so that ER can prepare
• outlying hospitals (e.g., Sutter in Auburn) do not carry large amounts of anti-venom, only the initial IV treatment.  Bite victims are transported to larger facilities for additional treatment once the initial anti-venom IV treatment has begun.
• encourage the bite victim to stay calm while waiting for assistance in order to keep the heart rate low
• immediately remove jewelry (especially rings) as these become difficult or impossible to remove if swelling occurs (and the type of venom that Rattlesnakes discharge in our area usually causes a lot of swelling and necrosis of tissue).
• Myth:  Have a snake bite kit handy.  Truth:  Snake bite kits don’t work – suction cups concentrate venom in one area increasing the damage caused by the venom (necrosis – tissue damage).
• Myth:  Place ice on the affected area.  Truth:  cold water can sometimes cause other types of damage from decreased circulation in the area.
• the ONLY effective treatment is anti-venom (time is tissue!):  venom gets into skin and fatty tissue; anti-venom is the only product that deactivates venom, however, it will not reverse tissue damage.  That is why “time is tissue” – best to get help and get to a hospital emergency room as soon as possible.

*Michael Caldwell, M. S. has been actively engaged in rattlesnake research in both Northern and Southern California for several years.  He is associated with CSU, San Bernardino; CSU, San Diego; CSU, Sacramento and UC Davis  (see http://www.EYNCRattlesnakes.com for more information).  Snakes used in his research are marked and set with a transmitter (surgically placed; snakes are anesthetized) to track movement and other behaviors.  Video equipment is frequently used and staged at sites where “prey” – e.g., field mice, etc – is present.