Rattlesnakes in The Spring Garden?
The Venomous Reptiles Emerge as The Earth Warms
Rattlesnakes are indigenous to the Americas, and range from Canada to Argentina. All except newborns have a rattle at the tip of their tails. Although most snakes vibrate their tails when threatened, the sound caused by rattlers is distinctive.
Rattles
In fact, their genus name, Crotalus, is Greek for “castanet.” The rattle is actually a series of hollow buttons at the end of the snake’s tail. Counting the number of rattles does not determine a snake’s age. A new rattle forms each time a snake sheds its skin, or molts. And molting may take place many times a year.
What They Eat
Depending on size, a rattlesnake may eat anything from a small lizard or frog to a rabbit. Typical food includes squirrels, gophers, rats, prairie dogs, birds and even other snakes.
Venom
They kill or stun their prey by quickly injecting venom through two hollow fangs, which are hinged from the inside top of their mouths.
Potentially Fatal
Any rattlesnake bite is potentially fatal to humans. The venom is hemotoxic. It breaks down tissue, causes hemorrhaging and prevents blood from clotting. A rattlesnake can strike out as far as two-thirds of its body length and literally can strike faster than an eye blink. Once within striking range of a rattlesnake, and the snake intends to strike, no human can move quickly enough to avoid being bitten. The best strategy is to take care and avoid them entirely.
If Bitten
If bitten, remain calm. Seek medical attention immediately. Almost 10,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes each year in North America. Only 15 deaths have been reported last year. Quick, proper treatment, including administering of antivenin, is responsible for significantly reducing the number of fatalities.
Rattlesnakes do not intentionally seek out humans to bite. They are interested in food. And they use their venom to disable prey. Adult rattlesnakes may even strike out and bite without injecting venom, preferring to save it for prey. However, do not take chances. If bitten, seek medical help immediately.
Rattlesnakes come in all sizes, colors, markings and temper. If the snake is not cornered, or does not feel threatened, it will probably try to escape. However, this is not always the case. However, humans have been bitten when they provoke or corner a snake.
When in the wild or in rattlesnake habitat, always wear boots and long trousers, preferably heavy jeans or trousers reinforced with leather.
Be especially careful when climbing over logs or rocks, or near rocky ledges, where rattlesnakes may be warming themselves.
If a person encounters a rattlesnake, the best strategy is to give the snake enough space to retreat.
Most rattlesnakes mate in the spring, after they have emerged from hibernation. They are ovoviviparous, which means they give birth to live young. The young are born with fangs that are ready for action, and have venom at birth. And even small rattlesnakes are potentially fatal.
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