Nothing will draw the attention of a hiker or camper faster than the buzz of a rattlesnake. More than one outdoorsman has felt a cold trickle of sweat seep down the back of his or her neck after a close encounter with California”s only native venomous snake.
Lake County is home to hundreds of rattlesnakes and now is the time when they are appearing. If you spend any appreciable time hiking in the woods, sooner or later you”re going to come into contact with one of these critters, and this is especially true for hunters, hikers and campers.
While rattlesnakes do carry enough venom to kill an adult, deaths are rare from this serpent. In fact, of the approximately 7,500 recorded rattlesnake bites in the U.S. every year, only 12 to 15 result in deaths. In Lake County, the local hospitals treat approximately four snake bites a year.
The species of rattlesnake in Lake County is the Western Diamondback. It is also called the Pacific Western Rattlesnake. These snakes are members of the Viper family and have been around for more than five million years. An adult rattler normally is a loner, however, it will hibernate with other rattlers. In fact, some dens will hold up to a dozen rattlers.
Rattlesnakes are secretive animals and they would rather hide then fight. Despite their venom, they are pursued by many predators in the forest. A coyote or a bobcat will never pass up the chance to make a meal of a rattlesnake. Hawks and crows can easily kill a rattler.
While the odds of getting bitten by a rattlesnake are rare, there are certain precautions one must take when in rattlesnake country. More than 50 percent of all rattlesnake bites occur on the hands. If you”re placing your hand on a rock while climbing or picking up something and startle a nearby resting rattler, he may instinctively strike out.
Children are bitten more frequently than adults. Most of the children are bitten because they often go barefoot or will actually pick up a rattlesnake out of curiosity.
Rattlesnakes are often found near old buildings or lumber piles. Like all wildlife, they are drawn to an area because of food (usually mice or gophers). By avoiding these areas, you can reduce your chances of coming into contact with a rattlesnake.
Rattlesnakes are fascinating animals. Here are a few facts about our slithering neighbor:
— Baby rattlesnakes are formed in eggs, but the eggs hatch while in the mother. Normally a female rattler will give birth to six to 10 young but fewer than three will survive to adulthood. They can live to 20 years in the wild.
— A rattlesnake is born with a button at the base of its tail. Each time it sheds its skin another rattle is added. A snake may shed its skin several times a year, so the number of rattles is not an indication of its age.
— Rattlesnakes have one of the most evolved methods of injecting venom of any poisonous snake. The fangs lie flat against the roof of the mouth and fold out for use.
— The venom of a rattlesnake is less potent than that of honeybee. It”s the volume of the venom that makes a bite dangerous.
— The striking range of a rattler is approximately half of its length.
— It has only enough energy for about two strikes before it has to rest. This lack of stamina is one reason a coyote or hawk can easily kill a rattler as they force the rattler to strike several times and then swoop in and kill the snake when it”s exhausted.
— A rattlesnake has several senses that guide it to its prey. It smells with it tongue. It also has pit organs located on each side of its head, which can sense heat. They use this to track warm-blooded animals such as mice, rats and small birds.
— Twenty percent of the time a rattler injects no venom when it strikes. The strike is used as a warning to stay away. It can also inject various amounts of venom.
— North American rattlesnakes have a venom that is called “hemolytic.” This type of venom breaks down the tissue around the bite. When a rattlesnake bites its prey, this action of breaking down the tissue hastens the digestive process when the snake swallows the prey. If a human is bitten there is often a loss of tissue around the bite. The snake”s teeth also has bacteria and the venom suppresses the immune system of the victim to fight this infection. While this rarely causes death, it can result in the loss of a limb.
If you”re bitten by a rattlesnake, do not make a cut across the bite. It could result in an infection or damage tissue. Don”t apply ice to the wound. Keep the victim quiet and seek medical help as quickly as possible. All the local hospitals are equipped to handle snake bites.
Finally, don”t indiscriminately kill a rattlesnake. They are an important part of our ecosystem. If they don”t bother you, don”t bother them. After all, they were here millions of years before us and will probably be here long after we”re gone.
