Six tips to avoid being bitten by a rattlesnake

FALLBROOK – Rattlesnakes are generally not aggressive to humans and will often only strike when they feel threatened or deliberately provoked. Most bites occur when a rattlesnake is disturbed, handled or accidentally touched by someone while walking or climbing. The majority of snakebites occur on the hands, feet and ankles. Most studies have shown that given room and opportunity, rattlesnakes will often retreat to safety.

Six tips to prevent rattlesnake bites

1. Wear long pants and boots when hiking to help block rattlesnake venom. Wearing hiking boots and long pants offer an extra layer of protection from unexpected encounters with a rattlesnake.
2. When hiking, stay on trails and steer clear from tall weeds and underbrush. Snakes can hide and rest almost anywhere that is hidden from view. This enables them to have some protection from predators while they avoid extreme temperatures and hunt for prey. Because brush offers protection for snakes, stay on established trails to avoid potentially disturbing a rattlesnake in hiding.
3. Never disturb or attempt to touch a snake, even if it appears to be dead. Don’t mistake a snake's stillness as a safe opportunity to take a closer look. Snakes often use their hidden positions to strike when something or someone gets too close and within striking distance. Snakes can also still strike or bite after they have been freshly killed.
4. Always cautiously look for concealed snakes before picking up or disturbing rocks, sticks or firewood. Rattlesnakes are well-camouflaged and wait quietly for prey and they can be difficult to see. Patches of dense shrubs, piles of rocks or logs, and areas of tall grasses offer snakes many places where they can seek shelter and hunt from.
5. Never hike alone, especially when hiking in remote areas. Having a hiking partner is important and can help in any crisis, especially in a situation where you or your hiking partner has been bitten by a snake. If it is safe to do so, try to photograph the snake to help identify the type of snake you were bitten by. Being able to identify the type of snake can aid medical personnel in treatment.
6. Teach children to respect snakes and to leave them alone. Curious children who pick up snakes are often bitten. Teach them to always give snakes the right of way to prevent snake bites.

If you know or believe you have been bitten by a rattlesnake, seek immediate medical attention. Severe or even life-threatening symptoms may occur within hours or even minutes after a bite. Keep calm and do not run to seek help, as increasing your heart rate can spread the snake's venom through your bloodstream faster. Also, keep the affected extremity below heart level until you can be safely transported to a medical facility.

Rattlesnake bites can cause swelling at the location of the bite, extreme pain, excessive bleeding at the area of the bite, nausea and light-headedness. Snake bites can also cause swelling of the mouth and throat, making it difficult to breathe.

Do not apply ice to the bite and do not use a tourniquet or constricting band, as constricting blood vessels by using ice or a tourniquet can lead to amputation. Also, do not try to suck out the venom or use any device to cut or slice the area where the bite occurred.

When possible, immediately wash the wound with soap and water. Also, immediately remove rings, wristwatches or anything constrictive.

Most importantly, immediately seek medical attention if you believe you have been bitten by a rattlesnake.