|
|
 |
|
|
|
| Greatly feared and frequently misunderstood, 11 species of rattlesnakes
have been identified in Arizona. The most common in the lower desert regions
include the Western Diamondback, Mohave, and Sidewinder.
The bites are rarely fatal but are extremely painful and destructive. Caution and common sense should be used when enjoying Arizona's great outdoors. Many bites happen when people choose to kill, capture or mess with them. It is far better to just leave the snake alone! Extra caution should be taken when hiking or climbing in the desert or mountains at certain times at the year, especially when the daytime temperature stays above 82 degrees Fahrenheit. During March and April, rattlesnakes become more active and move to areas where they can soak up the sun. During the hot summer months the temperature is too high for daytime activity. In August and September the snakes become the most active of the year. Baby rattlesnakes are typically born the end at July, and are capable at biting and envenomating from birth. They are not more venomous than the larger snakes, but they may be less likely to control the amount of venom injected. However, the amount (volume) is much less. Most rattlesnakes have a flattened, triangular shaped head with a heat sensing pit located between the nostril and eye on each side that is used to locate and trail prey. Different species of rattlesnakes can be of different lengths, with the Western Diamondback growing up to six feet in length. The loosely attached horny rings (raffles) at the tip of the tail are the source of the raffle sound. A baby rattlesnake is born with a pre button on the end of the tail and only after the first molt at about two weeks do they have a button. An actual raffle does not appear until about three or four months. The shaking of the raffle can serve as a warning, hut not always: rattlesnakes can strike without warning or making a sound. They can strike 1/4 to 1/2 of their body length. Do not handle dead snakes or their severed heads. A reflex strike/bite can occur for hours after the snake is dead. Coloring varies by species, but most blend in well with their environments.
Usually mottled or banded in shades of tan and brown, rattlesnakes
can also be a combination of grayish green, orange, red, bright green,
yellow, black or peach.
Signs and Symptoms of a BiteImmediate pain or a burning sensation occurs at the site at 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 it you have a "dry" bite. The venom injected contains several enzymes designed to attack the tissue at the bite site that can cause severe tissue damage. The venom also containscomponents that cause blood thinning and other effects on the body. The Mohave rattlesnake venom may also contain a neurotoxin that results in severe muscle weakness. TreatmentSeek medical attention from a hospital emergency room immediately! You will be evaluated and administered antivenin if necessary. It is important to get treatments as soon as possible. Even 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. Don' 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 or tourniquets. 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 The physicians treat the symptoms as they occur and modify the antivenin/treatment as needed. Treatment is not snake specific. Each year over 95 rattlesnake bites are reported to the Samaritan Regional Poison Center. Call the Samaritan Regional Poison Center 602-253-3334 or 1-800-222-1222
for the signs and symptoms and first aid treatment.
|
http://www.swedeclean.com/scandinavia/consumer/linkpage4.html
