Rattlesnakes are pit vipers, distinguished by heat-sensing pits that allow them to detect warm-blooded prey even in darkness. These venomous reptiles are generally non-aggressive, preferring to avoid human contact, and typically only strike when provoked or feeling directly threatened. While they control rodent populations, their presence near homes poses a serious risk to people and pets. Understanding the proper, safe, and legal protocols for managing these encounters is necessary to ensure safety.
Immediate Steps When Encountering a Rattlesnake
The moment a rattlesnake is spotted, the immediate priority is to establish a safe distance of at least six feet. If you are close, freezing in place is the appropriate initial response, allowing you to locate the snake before moving. Once the location is identified, slowly back away from the area without making any sudden movements that could be perceived as a threat.
Rattlesnakes can strike up to half their body length, so maintaining a generous distance is important. Immediately secure all pets and small children, bringing them indoors or to a safe zone. If the snake is not an immediate threat, such as in the yard, give it space, as it will often move on by itself. Alert others in the immediate area to the snake’s location.
Safe and Legal Removal Options
If the rattlesnake is coiled near an entrance, in a garage, or is otherwise presenting an unacceptable threat, professional removal is the only safe option. Attempting to move, handle, or kill a venomous snake is exceptionally dangerous and is the leading cause of bites in humans. Many jurisdictions also have laws protecting native wildlife, making the killing of a rattlesnake illegal unless it presents an immediate, unavoidable threat to life.
The appropriate course of action is to call local animal control services or a specialized, licensed venomous snake removal service. These professionals are trained to safely capture and humanely relocate the snake to a suitable wild habitat. Keep a constant watch on the snake from a safe distance until the professional arrives, ensuring the snake can be quickly located and removed.
Long-Term Habitat Modification and Exclusion
The most effective long-term strategy for rattlesnake management is making your property physically inaccessible and unattractive to them. Installing snake-proof fencing is one of the most reliable exclusion methods, as it creates a physical barrier the snake cannot bypass. This specialized fencing typically uses galvanized steel hardware cloth with a mesh size no larger than one-quarter inch, which prevents even juvenile snakes from squeezing through.
For the fence to be fully effective, it must be at least 30 to 36 inches high and be buried four to six inches deep into the ground. The buried portion should be angled slightly outward to prevent the snake from crawling underneath or attempting to dig. Gates must be sealed with sweeps or kick plates that leave minimal clearance, as snakes can enter through small gaps at ground level.
Rattlesnakes are drawn to areas that provide shelter and food, so eliminating these attractants is important. Dense brush, tall grass, wood piles, and large rock piles should be cleared away from the perimeter of the home and fence line, as these create ideal hiding spots. Since rattlesnakes primarily feed on rodents, controlling the presence of mice, rats, and gophers significantly reduces the property’s appeal. Sealing all foundation cracks, gaps beneath doors, and other potential entry points with caulk or mesh prevents both snakes and their prey from gaining access to structures.
Critical First Aid If a Bite Occurs
If a rattlesnake bite occurs, the situation is a medical emergency that requires immediate action. The most important step is to call 911 or local emergency services immediately to arrange transport to a medical facility for antivenom treatment. The person bitten must remain as calm and still as possible, as panic and movement can accelerate the spread of venom through the lymphatic system.
While waiting for help, remove any constricting items like rings, watches, or tight clothing from the affected limb before swelling begins. The bitten limb should be kept immobilized and positioned at or slightly below the level of the heart to slow the circulation of venom. It is crucial to avoid common but harmful folklore remedies, including cutting the wound, attempting to suck out the venom, or applying a tourniquet or ice. These actions are proven to cause more tissue damage and increase the risk of infection.