It’s springtime, which means rattlesnakes are more active than ever in Arizona. Our state is home to more species of these magnificent, yet dangerous, reptiles than any other, so make sure to keep an eye out while hiking. Here’s everything you need to know:
Arizona is home to 13 species of rattlesnake – more than any other state.
Flickr/Adam Baker While such biodiversity is incredible, it’s also something to be mindful of this time of year.
Rattlesnake season runs from April until October in the Grand Canyon State.
Flickr/snowpeak The species most often encountered are the Western Diamondback, Mojave, Black-Tailed, and Sidewinder.
In the spring, rattlesnakes are most active during the day.
Flickr/Dawn Endico The opposite becomes true once it really starts to get hot outside, however, with the majority of sightings shifting to nighttime around early May.
So far in 2020, 39 rattlesnake bites have been reported to the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center.
TimVickers/Wikipedia 19 of those occurred in April, which is generally the most active month for the reptiles.
So how can you avoid getting bitten? It all starts with watching your step.
Flickr/chiropractic Rattlesnakes like to hide under rocks and often blend in with their surroundings, so always stay on marked trails and keep your eyes peeled.
Wearing long pants and hiking boots is always a good precaution to take.
Flickr/spera-designerschuhe If you do encounter a rattler, take care not to provoke it – instead, give the snake plenty of room and back away slowly.
In the event of a rattlesnake bite, don’t apply ice to the affected area, make any incisions, or use a tourniquet.
Flickr/Medisave UK Do reassure the victim, remove all jewelry from the wound site, immobilize the extremity and keep it below heart level, decrease total body activity, and call 911 immediately.
Click here to learn more about rattlesnakes in Arizona.
Flickr/Adam Baker
While such biodiversity is incredible, it’s also something to be mindful of this time of year.
Flickr/snowpeak
The species most often encountered are the Western Diamondback, Mojave, Black-Tailed, and Sidewinder.
Flickr/Dawn Endico
The opposite becomes true once it really starts to get hot outside, however, with the majority of sightings shifting to nighttime around early May.
TimVickers/Wikipedia
19 of those occurred in April, which is generally the most active month for the reptiles.
Flickr/chiropractic
Rattlesnakes like to hide under rocks and often blend in with their surroundings, so always stay on marked trails and keep your eyes peeled.
Flickr/spera-designerschuhe
If you do encounter a rattler, take care not to provoke it – instead, give the snake plenty of room and back away slowly.
Flickr/Medisave UK
Do reassure the victim, remove all jewelry from the wound site, immobilize the extremity and keep it below heart level, decrease total body activity, and call 911 immediately.
Have you ever spotted a rattlesnake in person? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience. Check out our previous article for more creepy crawlies to watch out for: These 10 Bugs Found In Arizona Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine.
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