Rattlesnakes

• Thirteen species of rattlesnakes have been identified in Arizona and extra caution should be taken when being outdoors when the daytime temperature stays above 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Rattlesnakes can be encountered at anytime during the year but in March and April, rattlesnakes become more active and move to areas where they can soak up the sun.
• During hot summer months, they are more active at night. After the start of the August monsoons, they become the most active of the year.
• The shaking of the rattle can serve as a warning but not always: rattlesnakes can strike without warning or making a sound.
• They can strike 1/4 to 1/2 of their body length. The rattlesnakes in Arizona can be of different lengths.
• Babies are typically born at the end of July and are capable of biting from birth.

Symptoms of a bite

• Immediate pain or a burning sensation occurs at the site of the bite; fang marks are usually visible
• Victims may experience a metallic or rubbery taste in the mouth 
• Significant swelling usually occurs within minutes, and symptoms may progress to weakness, sweating and/or
• Chills, nausea and vomiting
• A small percentage of rattlesnake bites are "dry," meaning that the snake has not injected venom. But do not count on being one of the lucky ones: seek help immediately. Only a doctor can determine if you have a "dry" bite.
• Snakes' venom can cause severe tissue damage, blood thinning and other effects.

Treatment

• If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
• Use your cell phone to call for help if there is coverage in the area.
• While it is important to get treatment as soon as possible, if you are a great distance from your car or other help, move slowly if necessary to get help.
• You have time to reach medical care.

Here are a few guidelines to help in the event you are bitten:

• Don't panic: Stay as calm as possible. If bitten on the hand, remove all jewelry immediately before swelling begins
• Don't apply ice to the bite site or immerse the bite in a bucket of ice 
• Don't use a constricting band/cloth/belt or tourniquet. Do not restrict blood flow in any manner
• Don't cut the bite site or try to suck out the venom. Leave the bite site alone! 
• Don't use electric shock or stun guns of any kind.
• Don't try to capture the snake to bring to the hospital. Time spent capturing the snake delays arrival at the emergency department, and may result in additional bites
• Identification of the snake is not necessary for treatment. Physicians treat the symptoms as they occur and modify the antivenom/treatment as needed. Treatment is not snake specific