Rattlesnake: A Poisonous Species From North America
The rattlesnake belongs to the viper family, specifically to the Crotalus genus. They are endemic animals of the American continent, and their populations are distributed from Canada to northern Argentina.
The most characteristic of rattlesnakes is their tail, from which they received their name. There are more than 20 recognized rattlesnake species, and they are the most venomous snakes in North America.
Differences between snakes and vipers
As we said, rattlesnakes belong to the viper family. Vipers are often poisonous, though not all of them are considered dangerous, and snakes generally are not, or at least cannot, inoculate a venom that causes serious harm.
To differentiate a snake from a viper, we mainly look at the snout and scales. Vipers usually have smaller scales and a pointed snout. Snakes are usually larger, have larger body scales and do not have a snout.
These are all generalizations, as each species can have its own peculiarities. So, just in case, if you find a snake and suspect it might be poisonous, you’d better back off. They tend to be more afraid of us than the other way around.
Crotalus or rattlesnake
These snakes are recognized meters away by the sound of their rattle. A rattlesnake is a structure of bony discs that collide with movement and emit a characteristic rattling sound.
You can calculate the age of one of these snakes by the appearance of the rattle, which appears as they grow. Young specimens may not have it.
Rattlesnakes can exceed two meters and reach four kilos in weight. They are not very large snakes, but their venom can be deadly. They don’t usually attack for no reason, only when they feel in danger.
The noise they make with their tails is a warning sign when they feel threatened to dissuade their opponent. Obviously, each species can be more or less excitable. For this reason, caution is advised when you are around these snakes.
Where can we find these rattlesnakes?
Most of them prefer desert climates and are rarely found in moist soils. They can also be found in abandoned termite mounds, cereal plantations, coffee or near farms, especially in barns where the cereal is stored, due to the presence of rats that serve as food.
Herein lies the danger of being easily bitten by a rattlesnake.
In general, they are not arboreal species and are found on the ground, although there are exceptions between species and, if there is heavy rain, they are able to climb in search of drier areas.
In regions where rattlesnakes are commonly found, it is recommended to wear long pants and closed shoes, in addition to keeping an eye on the ground and always having a nearby medical center or an antidote at hand.
rattlesnake venom
The rattlesnake sting is much feared for its venom, and is used to paralyze and kill large prey. Its venom is highly toxic : it can cause paralysis, internal bleeding due to the destruction of veins and capillary membranes, necrosis and cardiac arrest.
Bites should be treated as soon as possible. There is an antidote that reverses the effect of the poison and must be applied immediately. However, the antidote does not cure the effects the poison may have had; it neutralizes its action, prevents death, but does not cure possible injuries, such as necrosis.
Immunization against poison
The injection of small doses of venom induces the production of antibodies, but once the doses are finished, the level of antibodies drops to zero. If you travel to a country where these snakes are common, you should learn to avoid them and understand how to act if bitten.
