Baby Rattlesnake California
This is their third defense.
Baby rattlesnake california. The heavy bodied snakes glide into cover if given the chance. Most bites occur when. Last year the california poison control system received 282 calls about snakebites statewide. The rattle is sometimes missing on young snakes and may be broken off on adults so dont automatically assume that a snake with no rattle is not a rattlesnake.
A baby rattlesnake carries a more potent venom than an adult but its bite is probably less dangerous. Crotalus oreganus often called the western rattlesnake is the most common venomous snake in california and is comprised of three subspecies. Baby rattlesnakes are more dangerous than adults. Rattlesnakes second line of defense is a diplomatic retreat.
Crotalus oreganus helleri crotalus oreganus lutosus and crotalus oreganus oreganus. Rattlesnakes are widespread in california and are found in a variety of habitat throughout the state from coastal to desert. Many snakes occur only in certain parts of the state. Size shape and texture.
So far this year 74 rattlesnake bites to humans have been reported to the arizona poison and drug information center. Habitat note where the snake occurs desert forest mountains marsh in water grassland etc. Its hard to say how many people have been bitten by rattlesnakes because reporting is voluntary. These snakes are found from sea level to an altitude of 8200 ft.
This is what the baby snake was attempting when i spotted it. Nevertheless you dont want to be the person who finds out that in certain circumstances a baby rattlesnake bite could be fatal so its best to know how to identify one so you can react appropriately. Check our california snakes range maps page to find out what snakes occur in your general area. Its a myth that baby rattlesnakes release more venom than adults said uc davis conservation biology professor brian todd.
They may also turn up around homes and yards in brushy areas and under wood piles. Generally not aggressive rattlesnakes will likely retreat if given room or not deliberately provoked or threatened. Finally if theyre threatened the snakes rattle the auditory alarm that makes them famous.