Rattlesnakes can be found year-round in California, especially in warmer parts of the state, but “rattlesnake season”— when most bites occur — significantly peaks from April to October. California Poison Control System (CPCS) receives hundreds of calls related to rattlesnake bites and what to do about them year-round, and the number increases substantially during those months.

Many people think they know about rattlesnakes and their bites; unfortunately, a lot of what they’ve been told is wrong.

Myths vs. Facts

Myth: Rattlesnakes are aggressive and will purposely chase you to bite you.

Fact: Not true. Rattlers aren’t cold-blooded killers, though they are cold-blooded. However, they will defend themselves if they are provoked or threatened, even if it’s by accident.

Myth: Rattlesnakes will always rattle before they strike.

Fact: Nope. A surprised rattlesnake can bite without rattling and baby rattlers don’t even have rattles until they get older. They rattle to warn you to back away if they feel threatened.

Myth: Baby rattlesnakes are more dangerous than adults.

Fact: No. They’re smaller than adults and so have less venom but multiple studies have proved it’s not true they can’t control the amount of venom injected—but they are still dangerous.

Myth: Rattlesnakes are mostly out during the day, nights aren’t as much of a worry.

Fact: Big mistake. Rattlers do love lying in the sun, but they enjoy nights, too. It depends upon the temperature; if it’s between 70 and 90 degrees, they’re generally out and about.

Myth: Rattlesnakes can bite you and you won’t know it, until it’s too late.

Fact: You’ll know. Bites, even the dry ones (a bite with no venom injected) are painful. You’ll notice symptoms — such as swelling, burning, and redness — almost immediately.

“The odds of being bitten by a rattlesnake are small compared to other environmental injuries,” said Rais Vohra, Medical Director for the Fresno/Madera Division of CPCS. “Just remember to take precautions to keep from accidentally coming upon them and, if you do encounter one, keep a healthy distance away. But if despite your precautions you, someone else, or your pet is bitten by a rattlesnake there are some important things you should do.”

Severe or even life-threatening symptoms may occur within minutes or couple of hours after a rattlesnake bite. It can produce extreme pain and swelling at the bite location, excessive bleeding, nausea, swelling in the mouth and throat making it difficult to breathe, lightheadedness, drooling, collapse, and shock. In rare cases, a bite can also be fatal.

If Bitten

The first thing to do is get to a hospital as quickly as possible. Call 911 immediately.

Call the Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for additional advice.

Remain calm; don’t panic and restrict your movement(s).

Keep the bite site elevated above your heart.

Remove constricting items or jewelry, such as rings, because the affected area may swell.

If your pet is bitten, contact your veterinarian. Many now carry rattlesnake anti-venom and vaccines for dogs and other pets.

Getting medical treatment as soon as possible after a rattlesnake bite is critical. But when it comes to snakebites prevention is better than treatment.

Bite Prevention

When hiking outdoors, wear protective gear and pay attention to your surroundings.

Hike with a buddy.

Carry a fully charged mobile phone and let people know where you plan to hike and how long you will be gone.

If you spot a rattlesnake, stay away.

Do not touch or disturb the snake, even if it appears dead.

Look after children and keep dogs and other pets on a leash.

Stay on trails, away from underbrush and tall weeds.

Carefully inspect logs or rocks before sitting on them.

To learn more about rattlesnake safety, visit the CPCS website. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (number is the same in all states) for questions about poison encounters.