Rattlesnakes are native to the Americas, living in diverse habitats from southwestern Canada to central Argentina. The large majority of species lives in the American Southwest and Mexico. Four species may be found east of the Mississippi River, and two in South America. In the United States, the states with the most types of rattlesnakes are Texas and Arizona. They’re usually found in grasslands. Rattlesnakes receive their name from the rattle located at the end of their tails, which makes a loud rattling noise when vibrated that deters predators or serves as a warning to passers-by.[1]http://www.whmentors.org/saf/snakes.html
Rattlesnakes are the leading contributor to snakebite injuries in North America. However, rattlesnakes rarely bite unless provoked or threatened; if treated promptly, the bites are seldom fatal.[2]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rattlesnake
Over 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States each year. On average, fewer than 10 snakebite deaths are reported. In fact more people die from wasp and bee stings than from snakebites. Nonetheless venomous snakes must be considered dangerous and even non-fatal bites can cause severe pain and long lasting tissue damage.
If the bite is left untreated, your bodily functions will break down over a period of 2 or 3 days and the bite may result in severe organ damage or death. [3]https://www.healthline.com/health/rattlesnake-bite#timeline
What to Do If Bitten by a Rattlesnake[4]https://www.denverhealth.org/blog/2017/01/rattlesnake-bite-prevention
- Remain calm.
- Seek immediate medical attention by dialing 911 or calling your local poison center – 1-800-222-1222.
- Keep the bitten arm, leg, or body part at or slightly below heart level.
- Note the time the bite happened. Avoid trying to capture or kill the snake, but try to remember its color and shape so you can describe it. This can help with medical treatment. If you can do so safely and without delay, take a photo.
- Remove all tight clothing or jewelry.
- Do not cut the bite or try to suck the venom out.
- Leave the bite site alone. Do not use any first aid measures such as applying heat, cold, electricity or any substance to the bite.
- Avoid allowing the victim to drink caffeine or alcohol or take any drugs.
- Transport the victim to a hospital as quickly as possible, but use care and do not convert the snake bite emergency into a traffic accident. It’s best to go by ambulance.