HerpetologySouthern Pacific Rattlesnake

Stats:o 4-5 ft.o Greenish – black, diamonds on backo Front-fangedo Hemotoxic venom, attacking blood

Crotalus viridis helleri

• Rattle!• Head shape• Black/white tail• Keeled scales• Heat sensing pits• Elliptical eyes

Physical Characteristics

Interesting Facts• Born with no rattle, comes after first shed• Venom changes as they age

Young ~ the venom is less potent and does not digest prey very quicklyOlder ~ favor faster, harder to digest prey, the venom becomes stronger, to kill quicker.

• ResearchMuch of our current technological advances in night-vision and heat seeking ability are a result, in part of research done on pit vipers such as the southern Pacific rattlesnake.

Bites!• Hemotoxin

o Attaches to red blood cells

• Liquefies tissue• 40-60 bites per year

o 2-3 might end up fatalo 20-25% of venom supply

Adults can manage venom supplyand may even give a dry bite.Younger snakes may not manageThe amount of venom given anda bite may result in more venom.

Encounters…If Bitten…

• Stay calm• Wash the bite area

gently with soap and water

• Remove watches, rings, etc., which may constrict swelling

• Immobilize the affected area

• Transport safely to the nearest medical facility

• Wear hiking boots, not sandals!• When hiking, stick to well-used

trails. Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see. Step on logs and rocks, never over them. Check out stumps or logs before sitting down, and shake out sleeping bags before use.

• Never grab “sticks” or “branches” while swimming in lakes and rivers. Rattlesnakes can swim.

• Never hike alone.

When hiking…

Reproduction• Females release

pheromones• Males fight

• Ovovivparous• Born 90 days after

fertilization• 9-10 live young

Birds

• Roadrunner• Red-tailed Hawk

Predators…

More Predators…Reptiles…

• Indigoo Non-constrictor!

• Ca. Kingsnakeo Immune!

Coyotes

Mammal Predators…

Even more predators!Man!

• Rattlesnake roundups!

In the end…• Leave alone!• They are more afraid of us.• Most bites are of young men!• Every animal has it’s role…

o Even rattlesnakes!