Last night we watched a television program about rattlesnakes. I mentioned that I had heard that you should not handle the rattles of snakes (once they are dead) because the snake sharpened their fangs on their rattles and small amounts of poison would leak onto the rattles.
Did I hear right?
I'd appreciate a response as my family acted like I was crazy last night when I mentioned this.
- Michele, Provo, Ut.
Michele, you fell prey to a tall tale. Rattlesnakes do not sharpen their fangs - when one set wears out, it is replaced by a new set that grows in behind the old, much like sharks' teeth. Incidentally, even if there were a small amount of venom on the rattles, it would be unlikely to be harmful unless rubbed in a fresh open wound. Rattlesnake venom is digestible, and will not harm you if swallowed.- Nick
Re: my "Rattlesnake Salad" recipe
I have never made this recipe. I found it in a cookbook I got out of the library or from a cooking magazine. I can't remember exactly. I saved it as a curiosity. I would be willing to try it if I ever had access to rattlesnake meat. But that is extremely unlikely. Have you tried it? How was it?
- Kate Connally
Kate,
No, I haven't tried your salad. I Have had grilled rattlesnake (seasoned with dijon mustard, salt, and pepper). It was very delicious, and not unlike a cornish game hen.
I am interested in obtaining a book titled "Arizona Rattlesnakes", or, "Rattlesnakes of Arizona". Can you lead me to a source?
Thank You,
Tom,
No, but one of my readers might. You might also try Bob Myers at the Arizona International Rattlesnake Museum in Albuquerque, or Tom Marcellino of the Venomous Snake Soceity in Apache Junction, Az.
Are there rattlesnakes in Sri Lanka? I had thought them limited to the Western hemisphere, but a brief article in NEW SCIENTIST ("A kinder antidote to snakebite," 3 February 1996, p. 18) reporting a new antivenin produced by Therapeutic Antibodies of Nashville says that "A third new antivenin neutralises bites from a variety of Sri Lankan rattlesnake, where conventional antivenin is useless."
Thanks for a most interesting Website. If you have any interest in post-traumatic stress disorder, my National Center for PTSD Website is at http://www.dartmouth.edu/dms/ptsd/
Fred,
It's not often a respected science magazine makes an error of this magnitude. Rattlesnakes are indeed unique to the Americas. A phone call to Dr. Steve Porter of Therapeutic Antibodies confirmed that the snake in question was the Russel's Viper. I have written to the New Scientist editor to correct the error.
April Update: The New Scientist has printed a correction to the article
I'd like to ask if you know of a copy of Klauber's work for something less than a king's ransom. I bought the abridged version and was sadly disappointed. I only want it for research purposes, and not as a collector's volume. I've seen various copies in the past, advertised in SELVA, and the like, but all are in excess of two hundred dollars, as I'm sure you are aware, and I can't quite go that route.
Kieth,
Again, one of my readers might have a source for you. I got my copy from a local used bookstore for only $50. Perhaps a request placed through your local used bookstore would yield fruit.
If out hiking with my dog and it gets bitten what should I do? Can you purchase antivenin? if so, where from? What do you suggest to take along if antivenin is unavailable.
Daniel,
First, let me say that I am NOT a veterinarian, and that checking with your vet on this question is your best source of information. However, I'll make the following observations:
The variety of dog makes a huge difference in the danger from snake bite. The larger the dog, the more venom will be required to kill it. The longer and thicker the dog's hair, the less likely the snake will be able to insert a fang. Thus, a St. Bernard could likely shrug off a minor bite, while a chihuahua might have little chance for survival.
There is some evidence that once a dog has been bitten, if it survives, it will then have a partial immunity, and will then be more resistant to the venom. This is true of humans, and also of horses (antivenin has long been produced by injecting horses with small amounts of venom until they develop an immunity. The antibody-bearing serum is then drawn off to use for bite treatment).
Antivenin can only be purchased by a doctor. Check with your vet to see whether they keep it on hand, and whether they are familiar with its use.
I have been enjoying your page on rattlesnakes. I do have a couple of questions.
1. Are you aware of the species Crotalus cascavella? I have it listed in a homeopathic textbook as the Brazilian rattlesnake, and I noted that it was not included in your list. Does crotalus cascavella have another name?
2. Could you share your tattoo design with me? I have been working on a crotalus horridus design to be on my left lower back for a while now and am interested in seeing how you solved some of the design problems I am having.
J.K.,
1) C. cascavella is one of many names given to the Brazilian rattlesnake C. durissus terrificus
2) My tattoo is of c. cerastes (the sidewinder), was rendered by Mike Wingate of Port Townsend Tattoo and fine arts, and looks like THIS
How can you tell the age of a rattlesnake? I heard that you could by counting the number of rattles, but I'm not sure. Also, how often does a rattlesnake shed it's skin?
Chuck,
The last I know of (Klauber again), a way of positively determining the age of a rattlesnake had not been found, but some researchers had discovered that it is possible to analyze the growth pattens in the bones of the skull, much like counting tree rings (evidence seems to support the supposition that rattlesnakes grow throughout life). Estimates based on captive snakes give a life span of 20+ years, with sexual activity beginning at 4-5 years. Telling the age of a rattler encountered in the field is, therefore, nearly impossible. Provided one knows the species, size can give you perhaps the best indicator.
Rattlers add a rattle segment each time they shed. Shedding occurs frequently in the first two years of life (up to 3-4 times per year), and then slows down from there. Rattlers probably shed at least once per year, adults probably no more than 3 times a year in the wild. Captive snakes are a completely different story, as the warmth of their cage may allow year-round activity (as zoos become more and more sophisticated, some are beginning to put their animals through natural seasons, so a snake may spend 3-4 months in hibernation and then be gradually warmed in the spring). Captive snakes then may shed much more frequently.
Added to all this confusion is the fact that snakes rarely have all their rattles. Dragging the rattle through the underbrush causes segments to break and fall away. Again, captive snakes are far more likely to have complete rattles, as they lead a more protected life.
John Sealy, a researcher in NC, adds:
Recent research allows some fair accuracy in age determination using
the rattle. To determine age a few things must be known however.
Molting rates corelate to active season. Molting occurs at a fairly
consistent rate for each month the snake is out of hibernation.
Molting on average is not particularly corelated to feeding rates.
So, if a population's active time and molting rates are known then age
can be determined. There are some limitations. For instance the
rattle of C.h. tapers until about the 10th molt. After the snake
reaches terminal size, the rattle segments no longer show taper. With
experience we can accurately determine total molts, even if some
segments are missing. In other words if the rattle is not complete,
but is tapered, total rattle segments ie molts can be determined.
Additionally, if the rattle has no taper the snake has lost at least
10 segments. Age can only be listed as older than the age of the
estimate from segments lost and those remaining. This is only for
adults. A snake that has not achieved full size and showing "say" one
segment is a problem, taper cannot be determined. However, age can be
determined here as well. A researcher has accumulated thousands of
weight to length measurments of C.h. of known age. It differentiates
between gravid, non-gravid and males. We constantly test this
correlation with animals of known age. (those with full rattles in a
population of known molting rate) It is very accurate.
It appears that crotoxin complex is being used therapeutically in cancer patients somewhere in Argentina. Do you know of any details about this work?
Sincerely yours,
Jaap,
Nothing of the sort has crossed my desktop, but perhaps some of my readers have heard something.
Rattlesnake venom has been touted as a cure before (Klauber reports that there are some who believe that a second rattlesnake bite will counteract the effects of the first! This belief is probably based on the fact that venom is used in the production of antivenin). However, I know of no scientific study that has proven or attempted to prove the efficacy of any venom as a curative agent.
Let me take this opportunity to congratulate you on a wonderful web page on your research. Anyone who hasn't seen it (the link is in my bite/venom section) can view it HERE.
According to Klauber, the ribs do not change position relative to the vertebral column during rectilinear motion.
The motion is achieved through reciprocating movements between the snake's skin and it's body.
This is not to say that there is no freedom of movement at the junction between rib and vertebra.
Snakes breathe much as mammals do, the rib cage expanding and contracting with each breath.
A large meal will require a certain anount of expansion of the rib cage as well.
I have no figures for you on exact range of motion.
However, I imagine that this data exists for snakes in general, and that figures for other snake families would be similar.
You might look for a text on ophidian anatomy.
We are trying to find information on the endangered New Mexican
Ridgenosed Rattlesnake (crotalus Willardi obscurus). The FWS listed and
published a recovery plan in 1985, but we are looking for size,
description, range, etc. information for a seventh grade class
researching endangered species. Any info out there?
I have no information for you. Perhaps some of my readers will...
Where are rattlesnakes distributed in British Columbia Canada? Both in what regions and how are they distributed along an elevational gradient?
Shade,
From what I can glean, it appears that there are only four species that occur in Canada, and these are in the southern portion, to wit:
Crotalus viridus oreganus is found in Southern BC. According to Klauber, the distribution is within a triangle formed by Lilloooet-Shushwap Lake-Osoyoos, and east along the US border to Christina lake.
Crotalus viridus viridus is found in Southwestern Sasketchawan (South of the South Sasketchawan river and West of longitude 107 degrees, 30 minutes W), and Southeastern Alberta (South of the red deer river and East of longitude 113 degrees W)
Crotalus horridus horridus was found several decades ago on the shore of Lake Erie, but at the time was scarce, and is probably extinct in that area now.
Sistrurus catenatus catenatus has been found in Southern Ontario, on the shores of Georgian bay, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie. Also on the Prince Edward Peninsula in Lake Ontario.
As far north as Canada, it is likely that the snakes will be found mostly at lower elevations. Snakes are temperature-sensitive, and below a certain temperature, they cannot function at all (optimum temperature for most species of Rattlesnake is 75-85 degrees fahrenheit). It is doubtful that you would encounter any below 50 degrees. I'm not sure how this correlates with altitude in your neck of the great white north, but suffice to say that rattlesnakes are uncommon in Canada at all, and the greater the elevation, the lower the temperature, and thus the lower the chance of encountering snakes.
Carl,
Try checking with some of the herpetological societies in that area. There is a list of such organizations available at:
http://netvet.wustl.edu/species/reptiles/herplist.txt
I am a chef from Edmonton, Ab. We don't get
too much rattle snake meat up here but I'd love to learn how to properly
prepare the meat. Any GREAT recipes you want to share? How do you
purchase the meat (fillets, whole, frozen, deboned?)
Duane,
I have only heard of one commercial source of the meat - this was from a Mexican man, who told me that he remembered markets selling the meat in Mexico when he was a boy.
The only rattlesnake I've eaten was grilled on a gas BBQ after being rubbed with a dry Dijon marinade. At this point, I have
mixed feelings about the use of rattlesnakes for food. I know that some wild species in British Columbia are considered
endangered, and I know of nobody who raises snakes commercially for meat.
NICK,
DO YOU HAVE ANY INFO. ON HOW TO GET STARTED ON RAISING AND MILKING RATTLESNAKES
FOR ANTIVENOM PURPOSES?? ALSO ANY INFO. ON HOW TO IDENTIFY DIFFERENT SPECIES??
Johnny,
First, I'd want to be very very sure that you are experienced and competent at handling venomous snakes - not only is there the potential to be bitten, but it is very easy to harm the snakes during the milking process.
If you do not know how to get information on distinguishing rattlesnake species, then I presume you do not have this expertise. However, I am willing to be convinced. Send me your vita with respect to herpetology, and we'll talk.
Turn off your caps lock first
Hi Nick,
Love your web pages!
I am trying to track down the origins of the American tradition of putting a rattlesnake rattle in one's fiddle, mandolin, guitar, etc. I am looking for any information or references regarding:
I will be happy to share anything that I find out.
Phil,
When I was doing the initial research on rattlesnake-related web pages, I found a whole usenet discussion on this subject. Even though I'm both a musician and a crotalophile, I saw this as peripheral to my purpose, so I didn't bookmark any of it. You might try searching using Lycos for "rattlesnake." As I recall, it was either Lycos or Webcrawler who returned that thread. Actually, if you have been searching for this information for 6 months or more, it might have been your usenet postings I was reading... Off the top of my head, I would suggest folklore societies rather than either music or rattlesnake resources. For example, the Northwest Folklife Festival staff has a number of people who probably could put you on the correct trail. (206) 684-7300.
Best of luck!
My father-in-law found a rattler on his ranch 10 miles east of Ensenada in Mexico, up in the hills, and is concerned since his grandkids will be visiting soon.
His Mexican friend called it "cascabel serpiente", and he's not sure if that just literally means "rattlesnake" or is a specific type. The snake appeared to have whitish rings, recognizable diamonds and rattles. It was about 3-4 feet long and lived at 1000'-1500' elevation.
The question is, how dangerous is this type of snake and its venom? How can he minimize risk of snakes to 3 rambunctions 5 to 8 year olds who like to explore: avoiding certain terrain, clearing brush, certain times of day, etc.
There is a shaded ravine in the center of the property -- would they be more or less likely to be there?
Are there any animals or pets that would encourage the snakes to live elsewhere? What action should be taken in case of snakebite, for kids or adults? Are anti-venom injections available?
Thanks in advance.
Mark,
Cascabel is Spanish for "little bell", or rattle, and serpiente is Spanish for "snake" hence it means literally "rattle snake."
Any rattlesnake is dangerous, and the kids should be warned about them and told how to deal with them - ie if they hear the rattle, they should stand still until they see where the snake is, and then slowly back away from it.
The shaded ravine is probably where they (the snakes) hang out if it's hot out.
The kids should be told to make lots of noise with their feet when they move through the brush, and to move slowly. This will give the snakes ample warning and time to clear out. It's a bad idea for them to run full-tilt through the brush.
I imagine they have a somewhat competent hospital down there, which should be well-stocked with antivenin, since rattlers are common in most parts of Mexico. The good news is that many rattlesnake bites do not involve the injection of venom. The bad news is that kids, being small, are more susceptible to the venom than adults.
In short, reasonable precautions should be sufficint to keep them safe, and the most important thing to do is to educate them about what to do it they see a rattlesnake: watch, don't touch, and move away slowly.
Are all rattlesnakes shiny? All the snakes in your pictures seem to have very shiny, almost oily-looking, skins. I saw a dull gray snake with a diamond pattern, and was wondering if it was a rattlesnake. I didn't see any rattles, and it was not aggressive. I didn't get close to it, but my horse walked right up to it and sniffed it. It just stayed very still until she left. Sorry I couldn't get a picture to send you, but it moved off into the brush soon thereafter.
Melissa,
No rattlesnakes are shiny! Rattlesnakes have keeled scales, which means they are rough and do not reflect light back directly. In the right light, they can appear somewhat glossy, but in real life they are usually dull. The snake you saw could have been a rattlesnake, but could also have been a bullsnake (or gopher snake - pituophis melanoleucis), which are very similar.
Were there alternating black and white rings around its tail? Many rattlesnakes have these rings, while gopher snakes do not.
Also, where do you live, and what sort of terrain and elevation were you in when you saw the snake? What was the temperature? While rattlesnakes are not usually aggressive, they are more active and alert when warm, but if it was morning or a cold day, it could have been cold and sluggish. Or, it could have eaten recently and felt full :-) I'm sure you know the feeling...
Dear Nick:
I am a 2nd-grader at Countryside School in Champaign, Illinois. I am doing a short paper on rattlesnake bites and how to cure them in the "old days" on the Oregon Trail. Can you tell me what kind of methods they used to cure rattlesnake bites at that time?
Thank you,
Jessica
Jessica -
In frontier times, there were all sorts of crazy ideas about how to cure rattlesnake bite. Sometimes, people drank lots of alcohol, which actually made things worse. Sometimes, they slashed big cuts over the bites so that the blood would drain out faster and take the venom with it. This would be helped along by somebody sucking out the venom. Some people even believed that a second rattlesnake bite would cure the first! Other treatments included putting things over the bite, including ammonia, tobacco juice, salt, iodine, or mud. Of all these methods, the only one that is still recommended today is suction on the wound (though without slashing new cuts), which, if applied immediately, might be effective sometimes at removing a small amount of the venom.
Antivenins for rattlesnake venom began to be developed in the mid - 1920's, so they wouldn't have been available yet
In response to your other question, yes - you may print out or copy anything on my page, as long as you give me credit for the information (in other words, you have to tell people where you got the information).
Hope this helps you!
Is there anyway to keep rattlesnakes away? Within one week we have found two rattlesnakes next to our house. We live next to thick brush and there are some rock formation. But we have kept the brush trimmed within 20 feet of our home. Also, I'm located in the San Diego,CA area and have seen rattlesnakes all my life. Growing up I was told that King snakes and gopher snakes keep rattlesnakes away. Is this true?
Gloria,
General rule of thumb for any wild animal is that they will stay away if there is nothing to attract them. If they have food, water, shelter, or a good basking spot, then they will come around. Limit their access to water, and reduce your rodent population, and they will probably leave...
King snakes eat, among other things, rattlesnakes. They also eat the rodents. So, king snakes would probably help keep the population down a bit by doing both things. But, it would be many hours work to catch them, and many dollars to buy them, so I'd start by trying to limit the access to food and water. If you don't, you can clear out as many as you like, and more will come to fill the niche.
