An encounter with a small rattlesnake, often called a neonate, can understandably cause alarm, especially when the snake is discovered in an unexpected place. These young snakes are born fully equipped with fangs and venom, making them a serious consideration for safety. A rattlesnake “baby” is typically in its first few weeks of life, measuring around 6 to 10 inches long at birth. The immediate concern is whether this single sighting indicates the presence of others nearby.
Rattlesnake Birthing and Litter Size
The answer to whether more rattlesnakes are present is frequently yes, particularly soon after a birth event has occurred. Rattlesnakes are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. The gestation period is typically about three months, with births often occurring in late summer or early fall.
A female rattlesnake’s litter size can vary significantly, ranging from as few as 4 to as many as 25 neonates, although an average brood size is often between 4 and 12 young. This means that a single mother may produce a substantial number of offspring at one time. The young are born with fully developed senses and the ability to hunt, making them independent almost immediately.
Despite their rapid independence, the neonates tend to remain near their mother and siblings for a short period. This clustering typically lasts until they undergo their first shed, which generally happens about a week to ten days after birth. Consequently, finding one very young rattlesnake significantly increases the probability that its mother and several siblings are still within the immediate vicinity.
Assessing the Danger of Young Rattlesnakes
Neonate rattlesnakes are capable of delivering a serious bite from the moment they are born, as they possess functional fangs and venom. Their venom is fully potent. The venom of young rattlesnakes may be richer in certain fast-acting neurotoxins compared to the venom of adults, whose venom often contains more tissue-destructive enzymes. This difference is related to their differing diets, as young snakes primarily target smaller, more agile prey like lizards.
The notion that baby rattlesnakes are “more dangerous” because they cannot control their venom injection, or metering, is largely considered a myth. Research indicates that both young and adult rattlesnakes can control the amount of venom released during a strike. The primary factor determining the severity of a bite is the sheer volume of venom injected. An adult snake can produce and inject a significantly greater quantity of venom due to their larger venom glands.
While the total volume of venom is smaller in neonates, their smaller size presents a different kind of hazard. They are harder to spot and are born without the fully developed rattle segments needed to produce a loud warning sound. Furthermore, even a small dose of venom requires immediate medical attention, especially for children or pets who have a smaller body mass. The smaller size of a young rattlesnake does limit its strike range, typically to about half its body length, given their camouflage and silent nature.
Necessary Actions Following a Discovery
If a rattlesnake is discovered, the immediate action is to remain calm and slowly retreat from the area. The snake will not pursue a person, as it views humans as a threat, not prey. A safe distance of at least six feet should be established between the snake and any person or pet.
Securing children and confining pets immediately prevents accidental encounters, as dogs and cats are often bitten when they approach or harass a snake. Under no circumstances should anyone attempt to capture, handle, or harm the rattlesnake, as most bites occur when people try to interfere with the animal. The best course of action is to contact local animal control or a professional rattlesnake removal service for safe relocation.
To prevent future encounters, the area where the snake was found should be inspected for potential denning sites, such as woodpiles, thick brush, or rock crevices. Modifying the immediate habitat by removing these attractive hiding spots can reduce the likelihood of the snakes lingering.