Prairie Rattlesnakes, the only venomous snakes in Saskatchewan, inhabit many areas of southwestern Saskatchewan, southeastern Alberta and much of the central and western United States. They are encountered in caves, cultivated land, brush, rocky slopes and near streams or wherever rodents are abundant. Many people will never see these shy snakes because of their retiring behaviour.
Colour: Greenish gray, yellowish, olive green or light brown with dark blotches outlined in white. There are two light, oblique lines behind the eyes and above the corner of the mouth.
Shape and size: Average size ranges from 89-114 cm (35-45 inches). Heavy-bodied, with a slim neck and diamond-shaped head which bears vertical pupils and heat sensitive pits between each eye and nostril. It is safer to use binoculars or a zoom lens on your camera to see these features.
Rattle: A series of horny, dry, hard segments of unshed skin at the end of a stubby tail. Young rattlesnakes may not yet have a segmented rattle, but can pose the same danger as an adult snake.
- When hiking through long grass, brush or rocky areas, wear long, loose-fitting pants and boots which cover your ankles.
- When travelling at night, always use a flashlight.
- When reaching into brush, crevices, under boards or climbing onto ledges, watch where you are putting your hands and feet. As much as possible, probe the area first with a stick.
- Inform children of safety precautions. Teach children to identify snakes and seek assistance from a guardian when snakes are seen.
- Keep pets leashed. Curious pets encounter snakes more often than people do.
- When you hear a rattlesnake, DO NOT MOVE until you determine the snake's location. Then back away slowly and allow the snake to retreat.
Do not cut the bite area, use suction or a tourniquet, or apply ice. Remain as calm as possible. Don't panic. Approximately 25% of bites form venomous snakes are dry bites (no venom injected).
Call 911 to request medical attention and ambulance transport as quickly as possible to the closest hospital equipped to treat rattlesnake bites (Cypress Regional Hospital, Medicine Hat Hospital).
Please remember: Cell phones do not work in some areas.
It's important to understand that snake bites are a medical emergency and quick assessment in a hospital is necessary. There is time to safely transport the person bitten to a treatment facility. Carry the victim if possible or help them to remain calm, inactive and in a semi-sitting position until help arrives. This slows venom circulation through the body.
Keep the affected limb below heart level. Cleanse the wound if possible. Splint the affected limb loosely to reduce movement (if splint material is at hand).
- A new segment is added to the rattle after each shedding of the skin.
- Rattlesnakes shed their skin more or less often depending on the environment; therefore, one cannot determine the age of a rattlesnake by counting the rattle's segments.
- Rattlesnake babies are born with what is called a pre-button.
Important Reminder: Do NOT pick up any snakes or wild animals.