When Rattlesnakes Attack

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Published on August 11, 2018 1:00:05 PM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsrjMWRK-0I

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Rattlesnakes are venomous and dangerous snakes with a unique sound. Here are some unlucky encounters with this snake species in the wild.

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Voiceover by Carl Mason: carlito1705@icloud.com

What Is It?
These animals produce one of nature’s most fear-inducing sounds. A member of the pit viper family, the rattlesnake has a thick body, a distinctive triangular head and vertical pupils, like cat’s eyes. Their ridged scales come in a variety of patterns and colors, depending on the species. There are currently 36 known rattlesnake species. The largest of them and the largest venomous snake in North America is the eastern diamondback, which can reach lengths of up to 8 feet. The rattle is made up of hollow, interlocking keratin segments and it’s located at the tip of the tail. Every time the snake sheds its skin, another segment is added to the rattle. When the snake holds its tail up vertically and vibrates it rapidly, it causes the keratin segments to knock into each other. This creates the infamous ‘shaker’ sound. It’s considered to be a highly developed warning mechanism for potential predators.
Number 5 Victor Pratt
Snake handling has been present from street performances to daredevil acts and religious cults. However, even those experienced in working with snakes are sometimes faced with how dangerous they can be. 48-year-old Victor Pratt had been catching snakes since he was a teenager. When a rattlesnake appeared during his child’s birthday party, he took the opportunity to show off his snake handling ability.
Where Is It Located?
These adaptable snakes are found throughout North and South America, from southern Alberta and southern British Columbia, in Canada, to central Argentina. Their habitats range from regions as low as the sea level to heights of 11,000 feet and may include desert sands, scrub brush, grasslands or rocky hills. Rattlesnake diets mainly consist of rats, birds, mice and other small animals.
Number 4 Jeremy Sutcliffe
Rattlesnakes aren’t just dangerous while they’re alive. On May 27, 2018, Jeremy Sutcliffe and his wife Jennifer were doing yard work at their home near Lake Corpus Christi when he found a 4-foot rattlesnake slithering around the premises and decapitated it with a shovel. Because a snake’s metabolism is much slower than ours, it’s internal organs stay alive for longer.
How?
The rattlesnake can strike at two-thirds of its body length and the patterns on its body provide excellent camouflage. Its fangs are connected by ducts to large venom glands located towards the rear of the head. When the rattlesnake bites, the muscles on the side of the glands contract squeezing the venom through the ducts and into the fangs, it’s extremely potent and mainly hemotoxic meaning that it destroys tissue and disrupts blood clotting.
Number 3 Barry Lester
In May 2018, Barry Lester, died while celebrating his 57th birthday, after a rattlesnake bit him in both hands. Lester, a native of Oklahoma, was driving his pickup truck with his relatives when they spotted the reptile on the road. A previous rodeo calf roper, Lester reportedly had experience catching rattlesnakes. He stopped the truck and went to pick up the snake by the back of the head, as he had done so many times before.
Number 2 Daniel Hohs
31-year-old Daniel Hohs was a triathlete and an avid endurance sport practitioner. In October 2017, three years after he’d become an Ironman, Hohs was the victim of a fatal rattlesnake attack. He was about a mile into the trail at Mt. Galbraith in Golden, Colorado, when the venomous serpent attacked him. Witnesses described the snake as being around 4 feet long. A doctor that was hiking in the area initially tended to Hohs’ bite.
How to Survive?
There are a few precautionary steps to take whenever camping or trekking in rattlesnake territory. Wearing appropriate clothing is very important. Most bites occur at the level of the feet, ankles and hands. Wear long, loose pants and sturdy hiking boots. Be mindful of your movements, as some bites have occurred with people accidentally stepping or sitting on a rattlesnake. Carry a long, sturdy stick which you can use to examine places where a rattlesnake might be hiding. If you do encounter one, back away slowly and don’t engage it.
Number 1 Todd the Golden Retriever
In June 2018, dog owner Paula Goodwin took her pets on a hike in Anthem, Arizona. The state is home to the most varied rattlesnake population, with around 13 different species slithering around. As Goodwin was enjoying the hike alongside her dogs, she almost stepped on a rattlesnake. The serpent quickly assumed a coiled position and attempted to lunge at Goodwin. That’s when Todd, her golden retriever pup, stepped in the way of the attack. Todd ended up with a serious bite on his snout.