   Rattlesnakes - August 10, 2016 Jeff Schalau, Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County Its midsummer and the rattlesnakes are active. Although they sometimes appear threatening and surprise us, rattlesnakes should be left alone and will usually retreat if an escape route is available. Yes, they are venomous and their bite can be life threatening. Arizona residents should recognize the risk posed by rattlesnakes and act responsibly when enjoying the outdoors. Many outdoor enthusiasts regularly kill them on sight. This is not warranted and if we take time to watch for rattlesnakes and give them the space they require, they go on about their business and we can too. Arizona has the thirteen different species of rattlesnakes. In the Verde Valley area, the most common species are the Western Diamond-backed, Black-tailed, Mohave, and Arizona Black rattlesnakes.
Rattlesnakes are primarily active in the day and most active in the morning and evening hours during spring and fall. During the hottest months of summer, they tend to be more active at night. There is some variability between species in their tendencies regarding diurnal/nocturnal activity. When a coiled rattlesnake is encountered it will often remain motionless, presumably to avoid detection. Failing that, it may raise the head into a striking pose, rattle, and slowly retreat toward shelter. The rattlesnake’s “rattle” is made of the protein keratin – the same material found in our hair and fingernails. Rattlesnakes use the "loreal pit," a heat-sensing organ between the nostril and eye to locate prey and potential predators. According to Arizona Poison Centers, less than 1% of rattlesnake bites result in human deaths. There are currently discussions amongst herpetologists (people that study reptiles and amphibians) about rattlesnakes that are losing their ability to rattle. Some researchers believe it's a genetic issue (tail muscle atrophy) that increases in the population because those snakes that can rattle usually end up being killed. But others think the behavior could be an adaptation that allows them to avoid detection. Either way, non-rattling rattlesnakes could pass this behavior on to their offspring making it increasingly difficult for people to avoid them. Some precautions that should be observed are: use a flashlight while outside on warm evenings so you can see ahead of you; clear walkways of brush and keep them brightly lit; control rodents and other prey species around your home; fill all rodent holes in your yard; and avoid feeding birds right next to your home and outbuildings as this will attract rodents that attract snakes. If bitten, try to do the following: remain calm; remove jewelry, watches and restrictive clothing from the affected area; keep the bitten extremity below heart level; decrease activity as much as possible and get to a medical facility without delay; and DO NOT apply ice to the affected area, use incision, tourniquet, or electric shock, or administer alcohol or drugs. I have included links to photos and additional information below. Follow the Backyard Gardener on Twitter – use the link on the BYG website. If you have other gardening questions, call the Master Gardener help line in the Camp Verde office at 928-554-8992 or e-mail us at verdevalleymg@gmail.com and be sure to include your name, address and phone number. Find past Backyard Gardener columns or provide feedback at the Backyard Gardener web site: http://cals.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/. Additional Resources Arizona Rattlesnakes Arizona Game and Fish Department www.azgfd.com/wildlife/livingwith/rattlesnakes Reptiles and Amphibians of Arizona Southwest Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation www.reptilesofaz.org/index.html Venomous Wildlife University of Arizona Cooperative Extension cals.arizona.edu/pubs/natresources/az1481g  |