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Background

• Prairie Rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis viridis)are somewhat common in dry areas of southwest Saskatchewan and Southern Alberta, particularly where there are exposed south-facing rock faces.  These include (but are not limited to) the banks of the South Saskatchewan and Red Deer Rivers, Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, and Grasslands National Park. Extra caution must be taken in these areas
• Rattlesnakes are not aggressive to humans unless provoked.  Any attack on humans is a defensive measure; the rattle is their signal to us to leave them alone. We would be well advised to heed the warning.  If we can avoid encroaching on their territory, we have nothing to fear.
• Rattlesnakes feed mostly on small rodents.  They often seek refuge in rodent burrows to avoid the heat of the day or cooler temperatures.  During the day, they can often be seen sunning themselves on ledges or south-facing slopes.  They are also commonly found within rodent populations, such as in prairie dog towns.
• Rattlesnake bites are not, as a rule, lethal, although they pose greater danger to small children and people with prior medical conditions.

Avoidance and Prevention  

• Identification:  Learn how to identify the venomous snakes found in the area. All snakes with a pointed tail in South Dakota are non-venomous. The Prairie Rattlesnake is born with a rattle segment called a "button" at the end of its tail (never a pointed tail) and the adults will have several rattle segments. You may also notice a flat and broad or triangular shaped head. The pupils (black portion) of rattlesnakes eyes are cat-like or elliptical, whereas the non-venomous snakes have round shaped pupils.
• Watch Your Step:  Be careful where you put your hands or feet and where you sit. Most snakes are inactive animals that depend upon concealment for protection. A rattlesnake in its natural habitat is almost impossible to see, when motionless and silent. Do not depend on a rattlesnake to rattle before it strikes. Most rattlesnakes will not rattle unless they are frightened or endangered.
• If you climb, never reach for an overhead ledge unless you have first scouted it out to ensure that it is clear.
• Don't jump or step over logs, rocks, or plant material, walk around these obstacles. Be careful in the outdoors when turning over logs, rocks, or other large objects; a snake may be laying underneath resting or looking for food. When hiking, watch where you step, stay on paths or in clearings if possible. Avoid tall grassy areas with heavy underbrush. DO NOT put your hands or feet into places where you cannot see. Look closely at the ground before crossing over or under fences.
• If you come across a snake - maintain a safe distance. Stay at least a body length away from the snake. A snake can normally strike 1/2 their body length, but this could be further if they are facing downhill. Snakes normally aren't aggressive, but be prepared to retreat if a snake comes toward you, it may only be seeking escape cover.
• Wear suitable clothing and footwear when outdoors. provide adequate protection for the feet and ankles; low cut shoes or sandals should not be worn in rattlesnakes country, especially at night. Rattlesnakes fangs can penetrate through clothing, loose-fitting is better than close binding styles.

Treatment

• Ensure that the victim rests in a comfortable position.  Activity will hasten the spread of the venom throughout the body.
• Treat the victim in the same manner you would for any situation where shock is a likelihood.
• Re-assure the victim that he/she will be all right.  Re-enforce that rattlesnake bites are not lethal.
• If possible, position the bite so that it is lower than the rest of the body; this will slow the spread of the venom throughout the system.
• You may place a bandage "above" the wound; that is, between the wound and the heart.  Tighten the bandage to restrict blood flow slightly.  Do not apply it as a tourniquet.  If there is any indication that circulation is impeded by the bandage, loosen it.
• Clean the wound with antiseptic swabs or similar treatment.
• If you have a snake bite kit, you may choose to use the suction cup over the wound.
• Transport the victim to hospital as soon as possible.  When in the backcountry, try to ensure that this is done within eight hours.

• Attempt to suck venom from the wound using your mouth.  This could poison the person administering first aid and drastically increases the risk of infection for the victim.
• Make any type of incision around the wound.  This will just increase blood loss, risk of infection and tissue damage and may cause permanent disfiguration.
• Move the victim unnecessarily.
• Administer antivenin.  Reaction to antivenin can be more serious for some victims than the bite itself.