How can I stay safe around rattlesnakes?
Dr. Colin Little
MD, FAWM, Chief Medical Officer, GOES Health
Most rattlesnake bites happen when people interact with snakes on purpose, not by accident. The Wilderness Medical Society reports that most bites occur when people try to catch, kill, or bother snakes. This often happens when people have been drinking alcohol [1]. The best protection is learning about snake behavior and avoiding them completely [1]. Never touch dead snakes - they can still bite for hours after death [1].
When hiking, wear the right gear and stay alert. Wear hiking boots and long pants in snake areas. Avoid tall grass and brush piles, and stick to clear trails [2][3]. Be extra careful at dawn and dusk when snakes are most active [2]. Use hiking poles to check areas before stepping, and never put your hands where you can't see [3].
If you see a rattlesnake, stay calm and back away slowly. You can take a photo from far away (more than the snake's length) to help doctors later, but don't delay getting help [1]. If someone gets bitten, call 911 right away and keep them calm. Clean the bite with soap and water, remove rings and tight clothing before swelling starts [1]. Don't use tourniquets, ice, or try to suck out venom - these make things worse [1].
References
[1] Kanaan NC, Ray J, Stewart M, Russell KW, Fuller M, Bush SP, Caravati EM, Cardwell MD, Norris RL, Weinstein SA. Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Pitviper Envenomations in the United States and Canada. 2015. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1016/j.wem.2015.05.007
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Venomous Snakes at Work. 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/outdoor-workers/about/venomous-snakes.html
[3] Johns Hopkins Medicine. Snake Bites. 2024. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/snake-bites
[4] Mayo Clinic. Snakebites: First Aid. 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-snake-bites/basics/art-20056681
[5] Parker-Cote J, Meggs WJ. First Aid and Pre-Hospital Management of Venomous Snakebites. 2018. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6073535/