1. Rattlesnakes
Some facts and a little fiction

2. Snake bites in the United States
 On average, 7000 to 8000
bites per year.
 In 2000 according to the
NSC, 9 people died from
poisonous snake bites, 12
the previous year.
 As a perspective, 84
people were killed in 2009
by Bee’s.
 The majority of rattlesnake
bites are when teased or
handled.
 http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic540.htm

3.  Rattlesnakes are
present on many oil
field leases or in our
own yards
 Can be dark brown
to black in color.
 About 2 feet
average length,
some up to 5 feet.
 Like to sun bathe on
nice firm objects-in
roads
 More active around
dawn and dusk
I am really not
that mean
and ugly!

4.  Females bear 4-12
young, live births.
Mate in Spring, Birth
in Fall
 Babies are born with
fangs and poison
 No rattle on babies
until after the first
shedding, usually
following spring.

5. Why they strike
 Diet includes rodents,
rabbits, reptiles and
lizards
 Very few natural
predators after they
are grown
 Sense heat and
movement to
determine size

6.  Early spring they
are quite active
looking for food
and a mate
 Rattlesnakes like
things to live in
and under that
provide shelter
 Pipes, under
steps, under wood,
around pumping
units, anything
they can get under
that is stationary

7.  If you encounter a
rattlesnake, don’t panic
 If you hear it, but don’t
see it. find it first-just
look around before you
step
 The rattle is a warning to
stay away. Heed it’s
advice!
 Back away slowly
 Do not attempt to
molest or kill the snake

8.  Some safety tips on
rattlesnakes
 Hand placement
 Walking
 Working
 Looking
 Preventing
 Handling

9. The Bite from a Rattlesnake
 Two types of venom, A
hemotoxin, and a Neurotoxin.
 Most rattlesnakes are
Hemotoxic. The venom is a
combination of enzymes and
peptides that begin the digestive
process.
 Mojave Green is Neurotoxic with
some hemotoxins.
 85% of rattlesnake bites are
below the knee.
 50% are considered dry bites.
The strike is defensive, they
want you to go away.
 Severity/effects depend on
many factors associated with
the snake and the person.

10.  If you were bitten....
 You will not die in 5 minutes (Unless you have
a reaction) so relax!
 Clean the wound area, if you have an extractor,
you can try it, but it probably won’t help.
 Hold part at same level as the heart if possible
 Do not apply ice
 Take Emergency Department or call 911
 DO NOT APPLY ICE FOR SWELLING
 DO NOT CUT AND SUCK!
 DO NOT APPLY TORNIQUETS
 Basically- just go (quickly) to the Hospital
or call 911

11. Some other items to discuss
 Rattlesnakes are usually not
aggressive unless provoked
 They will typically strike about 1/2 the
distance of their body, usually less but
can strike farther if angry!
 Rattlesnakes will crawl over a rope-
Old cowboy thing.
 Rattlesnakes will not always rattle
before the strike-they want you to go
away quietly
 They do not eat their young
 The dead head is dangerous and can
still bite you!.
 They will cuddle with you on a cold
night if you don’t mind.

12. So now you know, I am
very dangerous if handled, I
will not hurt you if you
just go away. I got a bad wrap for
my cousin eating apples.
I can keep those
pesky mice under control
for you...so get a grip and let me be!