Rattlesnakes

The Western Rattlesnake is the only venous reptile in most of the Great Basin Desert.

Tod Williams

Western Rattlesnake
While walking along a rocky, streamside trail a hiker hears an electric BUZZZ just a step ahead. The hiker is carrying a long walking stick which is pointed instinctively at the source of the sound. The hikers next action will depend upon their knowledge of the Great Basin rattlesnake.

Great Basin rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis lutosus) are the only venomous reptiles in most of the Great Basin desert. They are best identified by their blunt, rattle-tipped tail & thick, stocky bodies. Adult Great Basin rattlesnakes average 30-36 inches in length, and are tan to yellow in color, with a series of darker oval blotches on their back.

Great Basin rattlesnakes may occur up to 11,000 feet in elevation, but are more common below 8,000 feet, in a variety of habitats- greasewood/shadscale, sagebrush, pinyon/juniper, & fir/spruce. The unifying characteristic of rattlesnake habitat in the Great Basin is rock. Great Basin rattlesnakes hibernate in dens, southern exposed rock outcrops, during the winter, emerging in May to bask in the spring sun. Males and non-reproducing females disperse into surrounding areas to forage for mice, rats, ground squirrels, gophers, birds, & lizards. A mature male may move up to 2.5 miles away from the den.

Gravid (pregnant) females remain near the den, basking frequently to facilitate proper development of their developing embryos. In mid to late September they give birth to 5-8 live baby rattlesnakes, remaining with them for the first 7-10 days of their life. Mortality is high among newborn rattlesnakes with less than 10% surviving to sexual maturity.

By late September the rattlesnakes have gathered back at the den site. As temperatures drop the rattlers re-enter their den to spend another winter underground, another annual cycle completed.

Great Basin rattlesnakes are fascinating and beautiful animals. Their venomous bite, although rarely fatal & used only for feeding and defense, commands respect & common sense in their presence.

To avoid being bitten:

• Wear high, sturdy boots
• Do not put your hands or feet where you cannot see
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Do not kill or capture rattlesnakes, there is never a case where killing a rattlesnake is safer than allowing it safe passage.
• Give all rattlesnakes a wide berth, 5 to 6 feet, and allow them room to escape.

If you see a rattlesnake in your campsite contact a ranger. The chances of being bitten are EXTREMELY low. If however you are bitten by a rattlesnake:

DO NOT:

• Panic
• Cut yourself
• Use a tourniquet
• Drink alcohol or caffeine

DO:

• Remain calm
• Move towards a hospital
• Remember that only 1% of all rattlesnake bites are fatal.

Take some time to learn about rattlesnakes and other reptiles. Perhaps if you are lucky you will see or hear one during your travels. Rattlesnakes are protected in national parks but often are not on other public lands. With some knowledge & understanding of the biology of rattlesnakes, you will know how to react when you encounter one of these remarkable animals.

Article written by: Bryan Hamilton, 2000