How venomous are northern Pacific rattlesnakes?
The fact that a few species are venomous just adds more fear. In Northern California, there is only ONE venomous species of snake, the Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus oreganus). All other snakes in the Bay Area are harmless.
Is a western diamondback rattlesnake poisonous?
Description: Rattlesnakes are species of poisonous snakes generally called “pit vipers”. The Western Diamondback can exceed seven feet in length, and is the king of our twenty odd species of Southwestern desert rattlers. This species has long, tubular fangs, which are characteristic of venomous snakes.
Can a diamondback rattlesnake kill you?
Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are well known for their rattle and painful, venomous bite, which can be fatal to humans. The toxin in their venom, called hemotoxin, kills red blood cells and causes tissue damage.
How do you identify a northern Pacific rattlesnake?
Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes are medium-sized snakes that are usually around 36 inches long. Most are greenish brown or greenish gray with many dark brown blotches, each surrounded by a lighter color, along their back. Like all rattlesnakes, they have a flat triangular head and a rattle at the end of their tail.
What do you do if you get bit by a northern Pacific rattlesnake?
How is Northern Pacific Rattlesnake Bite Treated? All snake bites should be considered as medical emergencies and evaluated by trained medical professionals, as soon as possible; the first 6-8 hours are particularly vital for preventing life-threatening symptoms.
Are Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes aggressive?
Behavior: This species of rattlesnake is a generally passive, non-aggressive species. They generally come out at dawn and dusk or are nocturnal during the hot summer. They will sometimes come out during the day to bask on rocks, but normally stay hidden in crevices most of the day.
What eats the western diamondback rattlesnakes?
Eagles, hawks, roadrunners, kingsnakes, coyote, bobcats or fox are predators who look at these snakes as a source of food.
How far can a rattlesnake strike?
As a rule of thumb, rattlesnakes can, at best, strike a distance of two-thirds their total body length. For example, a three foot long snake may be able to strike a distance of two feet. Always keep a safe distance from any snake.
Are there rattlesnakes in Redding CA?
Native to Shasta County, the Northern Pacific rattlesnake comes out from under rocks, logs and other hidden spots to bask openly in Redding’s summer heat. At cooler times, people usually only see rattlesnakes when they move objects in their yard or disturb them off-trail on hikes.
Where does the Crotalus oreganus pit viper live?
Crotalus oreganus is a venomous pit viper species found in North America in the Baja California Peninsula, western United States, and southern interior of British Columbia . The size of this species varies greatly, with some populations being stunted and others growing very large.
How big does a Crotalus oreganus grow to be?
The size of this species varies greatly, with some populations being stunted and others growing very large. Mainland specimens often reach 100 cm (39 in) in length, with the largest on record being 162.6 cm (64.0 in) (Klauber, 1956) for C. o. oreganus.
What are lateral blotches on a Crotalus oreganus?
These blotches are also wider than the spaces that separate them. Additionally, a lateral series of blotches, usually darker than the dorsal blotches, is clearly visible on all but the darkest specimens.