Rattlesnakes are not as dangerous or as frightening as most people think. These shy and secretive animals would rather avoid confrontation with people. That does NOT mean however, that you should throw caution to the wind in the great outdoors.

If you hear a rattlesnake, STAND STILL! Avoid jumping or running blindly. Look carefully until you locate the snake and then make your move. Remember that harmless snakes, moving in dry leaves and grass, can sound like rattlesnakes rattling.

If you see one, leave it alone because if it feels cornered, it will defend itself.

If someone gets a rattler bite, remain calm and get to a doctor or hospital ASAP. Don’t waste time with the old remedies:

• cutting the bite
• sucking out the venom using a snakebite kit
• using a car battery to run a current through the affected area.

Your best bet is a doctor and anti-venom.

Even “DEAD” rattlesnakes can bite, so…caution is advised. Treat any rattlesnake, dead or alive, with respect.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/mendocino/learning/safety-ethics/?cid=FSBDEV3_004522&width=full

Photo Source:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/31/us/rattlesnake-wranglers-armed-with-gasoline.html