Rattlesnakes. Slimy demons with sinister intentions, or maligned, misunderstood members of the reptile world?
Depends on where you stand. Five feet from a coiled viper with a cold, glassy stare and hypnotic rattle, evil aggression would seem imminent.From where James L. Glenn stands, the snake is doing little more than asking to be left alone . . . "And should be left alone. Certainly not killed."
But despite the warning, it's likely that sometime this summer someone will be bitten by a rattlesnake. And while the bite can be dangerous, the likelihood of it being fatal is slim.
In 91 years of record keeping, only one person bitten in Utah has died from a rattlesnake bite.
In 1961, a 70-year-old woman died of rattlesnake envenomation 24 hours after having been bitten. Three other cases have been listed as bite victims, but all involved questionable circumstances.
- In 1931, a 12-year-old boy became ill and died a day after handling a dead rattlesnake. He was never seen by a doctor.
- In 1938, a man became hysterical after having been bitten and pounded his head against a rock. He died of intracranial hemorrhaging.
- In 1987, a 22-month-old child died when a man wrapped a five-foot rattlesnake around her neck. He was charged with homicide.
But make no mistake, points out Glenn, curator of reptiles at Hogle Zoo and research serpentologist at Salt Lake's Veterans Administration Hospital, rattlesnake bites are dangerous. Of all the snake venoms in the world, the rattler's is the most complex, which makes treatment all the more difficult. Some rattlesnake venoms, too, can be as toxic as cobra venom.
A bite can also be medically expensive. Treatment of a severe bite can cost between $20,000 and $30,000. A vial of antivenom, for example, which five years ago sold for around $20, today costs upwards of $200. And while most bites require five to 10 doses, some may require as many as 50.
With both people and snakes moving outdoors for summer, the likelihood of a meeting between the two increases.
According to Glenn, though, the chances of running into and then being bitten by a poisonous snake in Utah are low, about half the national average.
"Generally, we'll get about half a dozen bites a year," he said.
There are 31 species of snakes native to Utah. Four are rattlesnakes. The Mojave, sidewinder and speckled rattlesnakes are here but seldom seen. Most familiar is the western rattlesnake, and within that group three subspecies - Great Basin, midget faded and prairie.
Most common are the Great Basin, found on the westside of the Wasatch Mountains, and the faded, found to the east. Glenn says the mountains act as a natural barrier between the two. Most of the encounters involve the Great Basin and occur between Provo and Logan. Areas known to have rattlesnakes are City Creek, Red Butte and Immigration canyons.Glenn said that for some reason, rattlesnakes stay out of Parleys . . . "I haven't so much as seen a road kill in Parleys in the 22 years I've been here."
He also notes that many people have the misconception that rattlesnakes move to the valley floor as summer heat increases.
But instead, he says, "They move in every direction - up and down . . . you'll find them in the mountains, along the foothills and out in the desert."
In the spring and fall, when daytime temperatures are cooler, rattlesnakes are diurnal. But they move to nocturnal living in the summer heat. This heightens the chances of a nighttime encounter.
Glenn points out that contrary to what many believe, rattlesnakes won't jump at, chase or attack, "they simply defend themselves. Most people are, in fact, bitten when they kill or try to kill a rattlesnake, or they try to manipulate or maneuver the snake.
"The best thing to do is stay away. Watch where you walk, where you put your hands and if you do run into a snake, leave it alone," he adds.
If bitten, the best treatment is to do nothing - if medical attention is nearby. Above all, don't cut the bite and do not apply a tourniquet.
If medical attention is not close by, Glenn suggests applying a constriction band to the bite area.
"Bites can be very painful, especially in areas like the hand and fingers," he says.
"Rest and reassurance are also important to a victim."
The one thing to remember is that rattlesnakes are not aggressive. He says the Great Basin is a timid snake by nature. It will flee if it can and will strike only to defend itself.
"When going into areas where rattlesnakes are, be prepared. And don't kill them unless the situation is immediately dangerous. Observe and enjoy the snake, then leave it alone," he suggests.
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GRAPHIC\
Where rattlesnakes are found Western rattlesnake range
Common misconceptions about Utah rattlesnakes
-Diamondback rattlers occur in Utah
-Rattlers and gopher snakes are interbreeding
-Gopher (blow) snakes keep rattlesnakes away
-Utah rattlers are not very venomous
-Rattlers migrate through Salt Lake City to the desert
-Water snakes occur in Utah
-Rubber boas are more dangerous than rattlers
-Racers will chase you
Rattlers always rattle before they strike
Snake bites and first aid
The venom in a snakebite is transmitted through grooves in the fangs.
-Keep victim as calm and motionless as possible.
-Keep bitten part at or below the level of the heart.
-Clean the bite but do not apply a tourniquet, do not cut or suck the bite, do not apply ice.
-Take patient to hospital as soon as possible.
-If victim cannot be moved, summon medical help at once.