Rattlesnake safety guidelines

News 11's reporter Melissa Zaremba spoke the with Yuma Fire Department on what to do if you come in contact with these reptiles

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY-TV) - There have been more and more snake sightings across Yuma, specifically rattlesnakes.

According to the University of Arizona’s College of Pharmacy, there are 17 different species of rattlesnakes in Arizona and all of them are venomous.

It's that sound familiar to any desert dweller, the rattlesnake.

With temperatures warming up, it's prime time for the slithery crawler.

But if you're thinking of getting close, think again.

“Rule number one, leave them alone, if you see them count yourself lucky because not everybody gets to see them, but move on they got the place in the environment they take care of rodents and other things. And especially in areas like our West Wetlands along the river this is where they live, and they got an important job to do in the ecosystem,” said PIO for the city of Yuma Fire Department (YFD) Mike Erfert. 

Every year nearly 8,000 people in the United States are bitten by a venomous snake resulting in eight to 15 deaths.

And in Arizona, 50 to 70 % of rattlesnake bite cases involved people likely trying to kill, capture or harm the animal—regardless, it's good to know your surroundings.

“Be aware of where you are walking, where you are putting your hands, don’t put your hands in cracks or crevices or holes where you can’t see what’s there, it’s just not a good idea,” said Erfert.

Reptiles come out during the hottest months but are most active at night.

“If it’s dark be sure to have flashlights or at your home be sure you got lighting and just making sure you aren’t walking around in the dark,” said Erfert.

YFD says even dead snakes can still bite so it’s best to leave any snake dead or alive alone.

And if you are one of the unlucky ones and get bit by a rattlesnake, get medical treatment immediately and call 911.

YFD says if you get a rattlesnake on your private property or backyard call 911.

They however do not relocate snakes from the wilderness.