Avoiding and Treating Timber Rattlesnake Bites Updated 2020
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Pressure and Duration of Constriction in Boa Constrictor Is Influenced by a Simulated Prey Heartbeat Allison Elizabeth Hall Dickinson College
Dickinson College Dickinson Scholar Student Honors Theses By Year Student Honors Theses 5-23-2010 Pressure and Duration of Constriction in Boa Constrictor is Influenced by a Simulated Prey Heartbeat Allison Elizabeth Hall Dickinson College Follow this and additional works at: http://scholar.dickinson.edu/student_honors Part of the Biology Commons Recommended Citation Hall, Allison Elizabeth, "Pressure and Duration of Constriction in Boa Constrictor is Influenced by a Simulated Prey Heartbeat" (2010). Dickinson College Honors Theses. Paper 86. This Honors Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by Dickinson Scholar. It has been accepted for inclusion by an authorized administrator. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Pressure and Duration of Constriction in Boa constrictor is Influenced by a Simulated Prey Heartbeat By Allison E. Hall With the collaboration of Amanda Hayes and Katelyn McCann Submitted in partial fulfillment of Honors Requirements for the Department of Biology Dr. Scott Boback, Supervisor Dr. Charles Zwemer, Supervisor Dr. David Kushner, Reader May 18, 2010 Abstract Constricting prey is energetically costly for snakes and therefore it would be beneficial to minimize this cost. However, the consequences of arresting a constriction event too soon could be deadly. Thus, the duration of constriction is bounded by competing demands to kill prey and conserve energy. Snakes possess mechanoreceptors within their ventral and dorsal skin that are used for detecting approaching predators and prey. This experiment sought to determine whether Boas (Boa constrictor) can sense a simulated heartbeat in their prey. It was predicted that if snakes possess this ability, those constricting rats with a simulated heart would constrict with greater pressure and increased duration than snakes constricting rats without a simulated heartbeat. -
What You Should Know About Rattlesnakes
Rattlesnakes in The Rattlesnakes of Snake Bite: First Aid WHAT San Diego County Parks San Diego County The primary purpose of the rattlesnake’s venomous bite is to assist the reptile in securing The Rattlesnake is an important natural • Colorado Desert Sidewinder its prey. After using its specialized senses to find YOU SHOULD element in the population control of small (Crotalus cerastes laterorepens) its next meal, the rattlesnake injects its victim mammals. Nearly all of its diet consists of Found only in the desert, the sidewinder prefers with a fatal dose of venom. animals such as mice and rats. Because they are sandy flats and washes. Its colors are those of KNOW ABOUT so beneficial, rattlesnakes are fully protected the desert; a cream or light brown ground color, To prevent being bitten, the best advice is to leave within county parks. with a row of brown blotches down the middle snakes alone. RATTLESNAKES If you encounter a rattlesnake while hiking, of the back. A hornlike projection over each eye Most bites occur when consider yourself lucky to have seen one of separates this rattlesnake from the others in our area. Length: 7 inches to 2.5 feet. someone is nature’s most interesting animals. If you see a trying to pick rattlesnake at a campsite or picnic area, please up a snake, inform the park rangers. They will do their best • Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchelli pyrrhus) tease it, or kill to relocate the snake. it. If snakes are Most often found in rocky foothill areas along the provided an coast or in the desert. -
The Timber Rattlesnake: Pennsylvania’S Uncanny Mountain Denizen
The Timber Rattlesnake: Pennsylvania’s Uncanny Mountain Denizen photo-Steve Shaffer by Christopher A. Urban breath, “the only good snake is a dead snake.” Others are Chief, Natural Diversity Section fascinated or drawn to the critter for its perceived danger- ous appeal or unusual size compared to other Pennsylva- Who would think that in one of the most populated nia snakes. If left unprovoked, the timber rattlesnake is states in the eastern U.S., you could find a rattlesnake in actually one of Pennsylvania’s more timid and docile the mountains of Penn’s Woods? As it turns out, most snake species, striking only when cornered or threatened. timber rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania are found on public Needless to say, the Pennsylvania timber rattlesnake is an land above 1,800 feet elevation. Of the three venomous intriguing critter of Pennsylvania’s wilderness. snakes that occur in Pennsylvania, most people have heard about this one. It strikes fear in the hearts of some Description and elicits fascination in others. When the word “rattler” The timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is a large comes up, you may hear some folks grumble under their (up to 74 inches), heavy-bodied snake of the pit viper www.fish.state.pa.us Pennsylvania Angler & Boater, January-February 2004 17 family (Viperidae). This snake has transverse “V”-shaped or chevronlike dark bands on a gray, yellow, black or brown body color. The tail is completely black with a rattle. The head is large, flat and triangular, with two thermal-sensitive pits between the eyes and the nostrils. The timber rattlesnake’s head color has two distinct color phases. -
Snake Bite Protocol
Lavonas et al. BMC Emergency Medicine 2011, 11:2 Page 4 of 15 http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-227X/11/2 and other Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center treatment of patients bitten by coral snakes (family Ela- staff. The antivenom manufacturer provided funding pidae), nor by snakes that are not indigenous to the US. support. Sponsor representatives were not present dur- At the time this algorithm was developed, the only ing the webinar or panel discussions. Sponsor represen- antivenom commercially available for the treatment of tatives reviewed the final manuscript before publication pit viper envenomation in the US is Crotalidae Polyva- ® for the sole purpose of identifying proprietary informa- lent Immune Fab (ovine) (CroFab , Protherics, Nash- tion. No modifications of the manuscript were requested ville, TN). All treatment recommendations and dosing by the manufacturer. apply to this antivenom. This algorithm does not con- sider treatment with whole IgG antivenom (Antivenin Results (Crotalidae) Polyvalent, equine origin (Wyeth-Ayerst, Final unified treatment algorithm Marietta, Pennsylvania, USA)), because production of The unified treatment algorithm is shown in Figure 1. that antivenom has been discontinued and all extant The final version was endorsed unanimously. Specific lots have expired. This antivenom also does not consider considerations endorsed by the panelists are as follows: treatment with other antivenom products under devel- opment. Because the panel members are all hospital- Role of the unified treatment algorithm -
Species Assessment for the Midget Faded Rattlesnake (Crotalus Viridis Concolor)
SPECIES ASSESSMENT FOR THE MIDGET FADED RATTLESNAKE (CROTALUS VIRIDIS CONCOLOR ) IN WYOMING prepared by 1 2 AMBER TRAVSKY AND DR. GARY P. BEAUVAIS 1 Real West Natural Resource Consulting, 1116 Albin Street, Laramie, WY 82072; (307) 742-3506 2 Director, Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, University of Wyoming, Dept. 3381, 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, WY 82071; (307) 766-3023 prepared for United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Wyoming State Office Cheyenne, Wyoming October 2004 Travsky and Beauvais – Crotalus viridus concolor October 2004 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 2 NATURAL HISTORY ........................................................................................................................... 2 Morphological Description........................................................................................................... 3 Taxonomy and Distribution ......................................................................................................... 4 Habitat Requirements ................................................................................................................. 6 General ............................................................................................................................................6 Area Requirements..........................................................................................................................7 -
Canebrake (A.K.A. Timber) Rattlesnake
Canebrake (a.k.a. Timber) Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus Upland Snake Species Profile Venomous Range and Appearance: This species ranges from New England through North Florida, and westward to central Texas and southern Minnesota. In the northern portion of their range, they are referred to as timber rattlesnakes and in the southern portion of the range they are often called canebrake rattlesnakes. Both names refer to the same species, although there are color differences that vary latitudinally. With the exception of nearly jet-black animals which occur in the Northeast, this species has a series of brown chevrons that extend the length of the body. They have keeled scales and the base color can be brown, greenish- Name Game gray, or creamy-yellow. Individuals in the southeast The genus, Crotalus, roughly translates to “rattle”. may have a pink hue. Canebrakes often have a The species epithet, horridus, means “frightful”. brown stripe that runs down the middle of their back, a characteristic not present in northern populations. Neonates (newborn snakes) have Natural History: Canebrake rattlesnakes are pit- similar color patterns as adults. Exceptionally large vipers that belong to the family Viperidae. They are canebrakes can measure over 8 feet, but most ambush predators and may spend several weeks in adult animals range between 4 to 6 feet in length. the same location waiting to strike at a potential meal. Adults typically feed on rodents, such as chipmunks, rats, mice, voles, and squirrels. In Rattlesnake Myth addition to sight and smell, rattlesnakes have a Rattlesnakes grow a new rattle segment loreal pit that allows them to detect infrared during each shed cycle. -
Venomous Snakebites in the United States
CLINICAL REVIEW Venomous Snakebites in the United States Bernard A. Kurecki III, MD, and H. James Brownlee, Jr., MD St. Petersburg, Florida Venomous snakebite treatment is controversial. Venomous snakebites are known to occur in all but a few states. Approximately 10 to 15 individuals die from snake bites each year, with bites from diamondback rattlesnakes accounting for 95 per cent of fatalities. The identification of the two endogenous classes of venomous snakes are discussed in detail to aid in determining the proper treatment for each class. Approximately 25 percent of all pit viper bites are “ dry" and result in no envenomation. The best first aid is a set of car keys to get the victim to a facility where anti- venin is obtainable. Incision and suction should be limited to very special situa tions; cryotherapy and use of tourniquets applied by laymen should be avoided. Proper medical management at a health care facility requires establishing whether envenomation has occurred and to what extent, followed by appropriate dosing of antivenin. The use of corticosteroids and antibiotics is controversial. Tetanus im munization should be updated, if necessary. Although research in developing a more purified antivenin is under way, the best treatment for snakebite is preven tion. venomous snakebite—rarely does any subject draw snakes and refuse treatment in the hope that their religious A more attention and controversy in an emergency de beliefs will effect a cure for the snakebite. partment. Frequently two or more proponents of different Approximately 75 percent of all snakebites occur in treatments may feel the need to defend zealously their people aged between 19 and 30 years, 1 percent to 2 per specific school of thought, and anyone who attempts even cent occur in women, and less than 1 percent occur in the simplest care of a venomous snakebite may be called blacks. -
FAMILY VIPERIDAE: VENOMOUS “Pit Vipers” Whose Fangs Fold up Against the Roof of Their Mouth, Such As Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, and Cottonmouths
FAMILY VIPERIDAE: VENOMOUS “pit vipers” whose fangs fold up against the roof of their mouth, such as rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths COPPERHEAD—Agkistrodon contortrix Uncommon to common. Copperheads are found in wet wooded areas, high areas in swamps, and mountainous habitats, although they may be encountered occasionally in most terrestrial habitats. Adults usually are 2 to 3 ft. long. Their general appearance is light brown or pinkish with darker, saddle-shaped crossbands. The head is solid brown. Their leaf-pattern camouflage permits copperheads to be sit- Juvenile copper- heads and-wait predators, concealed not only from their prey but also from their enemies. Copperheads feed on mice, small birds, lizards, snakes, amphibians, and insects, especially cicadas. Like young cottonmouths, baby copperheads have a bright yellow tail that is used to lure small prey animals. 0123ft. Heat-sensing “pit” characteristic of pit vipers CANEBRAKE OR TIMBER RATTLESNAKE—Crotalus horridus Mountain form Common. This species occupies a wide diversity of terrestrial habitats, but is found most frequently in deciduous forests and high ground in swamps. Heavy-bodied adults are usually 3 to 4, and occasionally 5, ft. long. Their basic color is gray with black crossbands that usually are chevron-shaped. Timber rattlesnakes feed on various rodents, rabbits, and occasionally birds. These rattlesnakes are generally passive if not disturbed or pestered in some way. When a rattlesnake is Coastal plain form encountered, the safest reaction is to back away--it will not try to attack you if you leave it alone. 012345 ft. EASTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE— Crotalus adamanteus Rare. This rattlesnake is found in both wet and dry terrestrial habitats including palmetto stands, pine woods, and swamp margins. -
Rattlesnake Tales 127
Hamell and Fox Rattlesnake Tales 127 Rattlesnake Tales George Hamell and William A. Fox Archaeological evidence from the Northeast and from selected Mississippian sites is presented and combined with ethnographic, historic and linguistic data to investigate the symbolic significance of the rattlesnake to northeastern Native groups. The authors argue that the rattlesnake is, chief and foremost, the pre-eminent shaman with a (gourd) medicine rattle attached to his tail. A strong and pervasive association of serpents, including rattlesnakes, with lightning and rainfall is argued to have resulted in a drought-related ceremo- nial expression among Ontario Iroquoians from circa A.D. 1200 -1450. The Rattlesnake and Associates Personified (Crotalus admanteus) rattlesnake man-being held a special fascination for the Northern Iroquoians Few, if any of the other-than-human kinds of (Figure 2). people that populate the mythical realities of the This is unexpected because the historic range of North American Indians are held in greater the eastern diamondback rattlesnake did not esteem than the rattlesnake man-being,1 a grand- extend northward into the homeland of the father, and the proto-typical shaman and warrior Northern Iroquoians. However, by the later sev- (Hamell 1979:Figures 17, 19-21; 1998:258, enteenth century, the historic range of the 264-266, 270-271; cf. Klauber 1972, II:1116- Northern Iroquoians and the Iroquois proper 1219) (Figure 1). Real humans and the other- extended southward into the homeland of the than-human kinds of people around them con- eastern diamondback rattlesnake. By this time the stitute a social world, a three-dimensional net- Seneca and other Iroquois had also incorporated work of kinsmen, governed by the rule of reci- and assimilated into their identities individuals procity and with the intensity of the reciprocity and families from throughout the Great Lakes correlated with the social, geographical, and region and southward into Virginia and the sometimes mythical distance between them Carolinas. -
Snakes of the Prairie
National Park Service Scotts Bluff U.S. Department of the Interior Scotts Bluff National Monument Nebraska Snakes of the Prairie Wildlife and Scotts Bluff National Monument is a unique historic landmark which preserves both cultural and Landscapes natural resources. Sweeping from the river valley woodlands, to the mixed-grass prairie, to pine studded bluffs, Scotts Bluff contains a wide variety of wildlife and landscapes. The 3,000 acres com- prising Scotts Bluff conserves one of the last areas of the Great Plains which has not been significant- ly changed by human occupation. Biological Four different species of snakes are known to live at Scotts Bluff National Monument, and may be Diversity of seen by park visitors during the warm months of the year. Though many people regard these rep- the Prairie tiles with feelings of fear and loathing, snakes are generally undeserving of their bad reputation. All snakes are exclusively carniverous and often feed on rodents and insects and should be considered beneficial to humans. They are cold-blooded animals and must avoid extremes of heat and cold. For this reason, you are unlikely to see snakes in the open on hot summer days. If a snake of any kind is encountered, the best advice is to give it plenty of room and a chance to escape. All snakes avoid humans whenever possible and should not be provoked. Prairie Rattlesnake Photo by Steve Thompson Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis viridis) The prairie rattlesnake is the only venomous snake found at Scotts Bluff National Monument. Rat- tlesnakes belong to the Pit Viper family of snakes, characterized by temperature sensitive “pits” on either side of the face between the eye and the nostril. -
Big Creek Rare Assessment
Rare Communities and Species of the Big Creek Watershed The Cherokee National Forest (CNF) Revised Land and Resource Management Plan designates certain habitats as rare biological communities and provides for their maintenance and restoration under the 9F prescription. Rare communities are groupings of plants and animals that contribute significantly to biological diversity even though they are generally confined to small areas. The Big Creek (BC) watershed includes a wide variety of habitats from a deep stream and river gorges to high elevation balds, resulting in a scattering of rare communities. Rare Communities Laurel Branch, Gulf Branch, and Raven Cliffs Three areas with cliffs are known from the BC watershed. The cliffs at Laurel Branch and Gulf Branch are dry rock outcrops below the crest of ridges along Round Mountain. The Raven cliffs are in the Trail Fork gorge and appear to have some dry areas as well as some wet slopes where small streams flow down the walls of the gorge. These steep to vertical or overhanging rock outcrops are examples of Southern Appalachian montane cliffs. They are usually on lower slopes, particularly in river gorges or bluffs. Vegetation is sparse, growing on bare rock, small ledges, and crevices, and is made up primarily of bryophytes, lichens, and herbs, with few trees and shrubs rooted in crevices and deeper soil pockets (NatureServe 2007). Eastern small-footed bat, a Forest Service sensitive species, roosts in the crevices of some of these cliffs. Max Patch A Southern Appalachian grassy bald occurs at Max Patch. Balds occur in the Southern Appalachian on high elevation peaks and saddles. -
How to Avoid a Rattlesnake Attack Rattlesnakes Are Pit Vipers, Found in Various Parts of the United States, Canada, and Mexico
How to Avoid a Rattlesnake Attack Rattlesnakes are pit vipers, found in various parts of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In Central and South America, they are almost everywhere there is wilderness. Contrary to popular belief, rattlesnakes do not deliberately stalk human beings — their natural diet consists of rats and mice, gophers, small birds, frogs, and even the occasional meaty insect. All the same, a snake's instinct is to protect itself — if you think about it, a snake is a very vulnerable creature without legs, ears, or a large size. So poisonous venom becomes its key defense mechanism, injected via sharp fangs as soon as prey or threats come near. As such, the duty really rests on you to behave responsibly with alertness. Be wary, be certain and keep safe. Steps 1 Know your snake. Is it a rattlesnake or a different kind of snake? To be safe, if you don't know, don't hang about to find out and if you cannot see without getting closer, don't even consider edging in any closer. But if you are aware of what the snake looks like, it might be helpful for a number of reasons, the main one being to know what to do if it does bite you or someone in your group. From a safe distance, look for: A flat, triangular-shaped head (although this may not be adequate to mark it) — broader at the base of the head than at the front. Heavy-bodied Openings between the nostrils and eyes — these are the heat-sensing pits Hooded eyes and elliptical pupils — these may not be readily apparent and you'll have to be fairly close to see this.