It's that time of year when city-dwellers head for the hills, and when something potentially dangerous is lurking there... Rattlesnakes. But experts say the rattler's "killer" reputation is way overblown. Environment Specialist John Hollenhorst went "up close and personal" with a rattler and filed this report.
Two snake experts walked from their office in Research Park and found a rattler within 15 minutes. They are ever-present in the foothills, but recreationists usually don't notice. Snake expert, Stan Draper, says, "Because they're very secretive, they'll only let you know that they're there when they feel threatened. They're going to move away from you because they're more scared of you, because you're bigger than they are."
The only species found in Northern Utah is called the Great Basin Rattlesnake. By rattlesnake standards, it's not particularly aggressive. And the venom is not especially potent. "But it will give you a very painful, very unpleasant bite that's going to require some hospital care. In general, it will not kill you," warns another snake expert, Jon Gale.
Deaths almost never happen in Utah. Bites are rare, less than a dozen a year reported to the Poison Control Center. Studies suggest the true number may be higher, but a person is usually to blame. Stan Draper says, "The main cause of bites in Utah was testosterone and alcohol.. usually young men who have been drinking and getting a little crazy. That's why they get bit, is they try to catch them.. and play with them."
Jon Gale adds, "If you get bit, your best bet is to stay as calm as you can." He says sucking the poison out and putting on a tourniquet are not a good idea. Contrary to old teachings, tourniquets, cutting and sucking frequently make the problems worse. The best first aid is a set of car-keys, one expert says. Stay calm and get to a hospital. "You want to try and bring the specimen of animal that bit you with you, if you can, dead or alive, so they can identify it," Draper says.
The only time the rattler is likely to live up to it's deadly reputation is if it bites someone who is many miles and hours from help.