Did You Know...
The Rattlesnake is a uniquely American animal, in fact this amazing creature was the first symbol for the United States. Long before the stars and stripe of "Old Glory" were ever conceived, the Continental Army 's battle flag displayed a coiled rattlesnake with the powerful phrase
"Don't Tread On Me"
There are dozens of rattlesnake species and sub-species in the United States, six of witch can be found in California. Florida however is another story. With six species of native venomous snakes and countless others invasive species you never know what you'll find, not to mention the large constrictors.
"Don't Tread On Me"
There are dozens of rattlesnake species and sub-species in the United States, six of witch can be found in California. Florida however is another story. With six species of native venomous snakes and countless others invasive species you never know what you'll find, not to mention the large constrictors.
12 ft. Redtail Boa bite.
I learned my lesson at 14 to respect all serpents!!!
There are some simple ways to lower your chances of an encounter with this shy creature. Clearing any debris or junk, like unorganized wood piles, sheet metal, old machinery, dead trees and shrubs from your yard allows less hiding spaces for snakes. Filling in any deep cracks or small spaces in rock out crops with a natural looking concrete will reduce the chances of rattlesnakes hibernating on your property over the winter months. Properly storing pet food or any kind of feed will reduce rodent populations, witch is the main staple of snakes. Over all you should make the snake chose your neighbors yard over yours.
The effects of a snake bite!
1.
This is a typical facial swelling result on a Great Dane bitten by a Pygmy Rattlesnake in FL.
2.
Similar results of an American Pit Bull bitten by a Sidewinder Rattlesnake in CA.
3.
To stop excessive swelling and tissue from splitting, the doctors will preform relief cuts to a limb to minamalize more serious damage in the long run. This is a bad Western Diamond Back bite to the hand!
4.
Snake bites basically are necrotic by Hemotoxin or paralyzing by Neurotoxin. This victim has been bitten by something bad. Even treatment couldn't save the leg. You can tell were he was bitten by fining the spot with the most damage, the calf.
5.
Hemotoxin is the main venom in the north American vipers. This toxin not only speed up necrosis and swelling but also thins blood to the point of it actually leeking out of skin pours.
6.
This pour little girl was bitten by a Water Moccasin or also called a Cotton Mouth. This snake is a member of the viper family as well. It's known for being very aggressive and one of the only snakes that will actually chase threats away.
7.
Some venomous snakes have less potent venom than others.
Identifying Rattlesnakes
1.
Rattlesnakes are heavy bodied with a rough look to their scales. Look for a dark band running from the eye to the back of the cheek. Most rattlers have either a solid colored tale or a alternating ringed pattern. It's easy to hear and see a mature rattlesnakes rattle but that's not always the case with babes.
2.
You can't even see the rattle on this baby.
3.
Sometimes snakes are coiled so remember to look for the dark eye band on the face instead of the rattle.
Snake Nests
1.
Rattlesnakes are the most evolved snake Genius, The have retractable fangs, a rattle, heat sensing pits and give live birth! The babies develop in individual egg sacks inside the mother and emerge fully formed and venomous. A large Rattler can give birth to 10-30 young.
2.
Female snakes hang around the nest after the babes emerge for about a month. As the year moves one the babes disperse and find new homes and dens of their own.
Rattlesnake Dens!
1.
Rattlesnakes hibernate during cold months and can fill under ground caverns with hundreds of snakes.
2.
If you start seeing random snakes coiled or lounging undisturbed in one particular area you can expect a den some were. Can you find more than three snakes?
3.
Deep cracks in the earth rock provide the perfect dening habitat for Rattlesnakes.
4.
This massive den is the result of a broken run off drain being filed with dirt and rocks. As long as water flow is held at bay, rattlesnakes will stay.