Rattlesnake season approaches along with warmer temperatures

With the warmer temperatures approaching, that means rattlesnakes are also creeping their way in to our deserts and backyards.

“This is the perfect time for breeding for rattlesnakes, the rains did delay them quite a bit this year after receiving a cold spell ” says anthrozoologist Amber Monson.

Monson received her bachelors degree the State University of New York in Wildlife Management.

She moved to Arizona and got certified in the rattlesnake conservancy and the Phoenix herpetological society with their venomous snake handling.

If someone is bitten by a rattlesnake she gives the following guidelines to further reduce the risk of having the venom spread.

1. Remain calm. The most important thing to remember is to stay calm and restrict movement. Most deaths are caused by shock rather than venom.

2. Get medical help. It is crucial that a snake bite is treated as soon as possible. Call 911 and avoid movement. If phone service is unavailable, send another hiker to the trailhead to contact authorities.

3. Remove any items that could restrict the swelling of the bite area. These items could include rings, watches, bracelets, etc. Swelling is supposed to occur with snake bites and should not be suppressed.

Do Not:

1. Elevate the bite above heart level.

2. Draw out the venom by cutting the wound.

3. Suck the venom out of the wound.

4. Apply ice.

5. Give medication such as pain killers (unless instructed by a doctor).