PHOENIX – Unseasonably warm weather is coming to Arizona bringing with it an increased risk for rattlesnake encounters. As temperatures rise this spring, it’s important to stay rattlesnake aware.
Arizona is home to 13 different species of rattlesnakes, more than any other U.S. state, according to Audrey Owens, amphibians and reptiles program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Species that are encountered most often are the Western diamondback, sidewinder, Mojave, and black-tailed rattlesnakes, depending on location.
Rattlesnakes are most active from March through October in desert areas, but they may appear earlier in the year as warming temperatures bring them out of winter hibernation.
During the spring, it’s common for rattlesnakes to be out during daylight hours. As the days become increasingly hot, rattlesnakes tend to move around more at night.
“If you see a rattlesnake on a trail, it may rattle its tail and coil because it is startled. These are defensive behaviors used to let you know it’s there. The best advice is to step back and let it move away. Rattlesnakes are not aggressive– most occurrences of rattlesnake bites occur when someone is trying to corner or capture a snake. If you leave it alone, it will leave you alone,” Owens said.
Here are some tips on staying safe:
Watch your step at home
Rattlesnakes can easily blend in with their surroundings, so a person should always be mindful where they are placing their feet and hands. Carry a flashlight at night, especially on warmer nights when rattlesnakes can be most active.
Clean up yard debris and reduce standing water near homes to avoid attracting rattlesnakes that may be looking for food or shelter.
Stay on the trail
Encounters with rattlesnakes and other venomous reptiles can take place anywhere, but they are more likely to occur when a person leaves a marked trail or wanders away from a heavily traveled area. Always stay on marked trails and be aware of your surroundings.
When encountering a rattlesnake, remember that the reptile is more concerned with being left alone. Back away from the rattlesnake, give it a wide berth, and continue on your way. An agitated rattlesnake will often hold its ground but will not give chase.
What to do if a rattlesnake bite occurs:
- Remain calm and reassure the victim.
- Call 911 and seek medical attention without delay.
- Remove all jewelry, watches, etc. from the affected area.
- Immobilize the extremity and keep at level below the heart.
- Decrease total body activity as is feasible.
What NOT to do if a rattlesnake bite occurs:
- Do NOT apply ice to the bite area.
- Do NOT use an incision of any kind.
- Do NOT use a constriction band or tourniquet.
- Do NOT administer alcohol or drugs.
- Do NOT use electric shock treatment.
Leaving a rattlesnake alone can significantly reduce the risk of being bitten. In fact, more than half of all rattlesnake bites are provoked by the person who was bitten.
For additional information and resources about rattlesnake bites, contact the Arizona Poison Drug and Information Center at 1-800-222-1222.
