Avoiding and Treating Timber Rattlesnake Bites

Timber rattlesnakes are generally very docile snakes, unless harassed. They prefer not to strike, but instead rely on camouflage coloration to remain hidden. If you should come across a rattlesnake, please do not try to capture or kill it. Records show that there is a greater risk of being bitten if an attempt is made to approach and kill them.

This venomous species can inflict a serious bite, and people are urged to walk away from them when encountered. Staying on the trail, wearing long pants, and wearing hiking boots are recommended if you will be near rattlesnake sites.

It is interesting to note that rattlesnakes can control the injection of venom when biting; up to 60% of all poisonous snake bites to humans are "dry," containing no venom.

The following measures may benefit the victims of envenomation by rattlesnakes in Wisconsin. If you know that you will be in a situation where rattlesnake encounters are possible or likely, you may wish to purchase a Sawyer Pump Extractor, which suctions out the venom from the bite area. These can be purchased at some department stores (most Wal-Mart stores stock them) for approx. $10.00.

Bite Response Measures:

Step 1: Reassure the victim and do not allow unnecessary movement. Lie flat and place the bitten limb in a comfortable position at a level slightly lower than the victim's heart.

Step 2: Look for the exact site of the bite (identify fang punctures). If you have a Sawyer Pump Extractor, or other suitable venom extractor, use a cup size to adequately cover the fang punctures. More than one pump may be used if available.

Step 3: Wrap a wide constriction band (elastic bandage-type) around the bitten limb just above the bite site with the tightness being similar to that used to wrap a sprained ankle. Do not wrap tightly. Leave the constriction band in place until the victim has arrived at a medical facility and antivenom therapy has been initiated if deemed necessary.

Step 4: Get to a hospital as soon as possible, preferably within one hour of the bite. Call ahead, if possible, to alert them you are coming, or call your local emergency medical facility if you need assistance. Verify that they have Wyeth Crotalidae Antivenom available (10 vials if available).

After receiving treatment, call the poison control hotline at 1-800-815-8855 to inform them of the bite.

The fear of snakes is a learned behavior, which has been exacerbated by such things as myths and media misrepresentation. Public attitudes toward snakes are slowly changing. More people are beginning to see snakes not only as fascinating creatures, but also as important animals in nature. Timber rattlesnakes, which feed primarily on small mammals, help to keep rodent populations in check and help reduce threats associated with rodent-transmitted diseases.

Timber rattlesnakes make their homes among the rugged bluffs of the unglaciated area of southwestern and western Wisconsin. In the spring they live in the open "goat prairies" and move to other grasslands and oak woodlands during the summer. They are easily distinguished from harmless snakes by a pronounced rattle at the end of a black tail, by their head, which is solid colored on top and noticeably larger than their slender neck, and by their pit organs, which can be found on each side of the face between the eye and the nostril.

Death due to a rattlesnake bite is unlikely; only one rattlesnake bite fatality has been documented in Wisconsin since 1900. Timber rattlesnake bites in Wisconsin have averaged one every four years in recent history (1982-1997). Five additional bites have occurred as a result of intentional handling of rattlesnakes, with 80% of these involving the abuse of alcohol.

The timber rattlesnake is listed as a Protected Wild Animal under NR 10.02. (exit DNR) It is illegal to collect, possess, or hunt this species in Wisconsin. However, they may be killed in immediate life-threatening situations involving humans and domestic animals. Please report any sightings of timber rattlesnakes to the DNR by calling toll free 1-888-74SNAKE.

Rattlesnake bite protocol provided by:

Dr. Daniel E. Keyler, Hennepin County Medical Center
Level 1 Trauma Center
Minneapolis, MN.

Information from publication ER-083 98.