snakes by 3 features; a rattle on the end of its tail, a very distinct neck, and a broad, triangular head. Two snake varieties were highlighted in the poison center’s alert: the Western Rattlesnake [Crotalus viridis] and the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake [Crotalus oreganus]. |, Sssssnakes Alive: Northern Pacific rattlesnake. To ensure your home is not a snakes’ choice for a winter dwelling, make sure that any entry points are sealed and there are no rodent infestations. New Mexico couple charged in death of their 1-month-old baby boy, Watch: 5-year-old Florida boy records second career hole-in-one, Ex-Florida sheriff’s deputy performed exorcism on child, armed another with rifle, officials say, 8-year-old boy shot, killed during dispute between aunt, her boyfriend, authorities say, Utah dad sentenced in death of 7-week-old baby boy. Photo from the Washington Poison Center website.] Should you be out hiking and come across that rattle warning, stop and back away slowly. Most of the young enter this world from July through September, and fall is when they are actively seeking mates and shelters. This time of the year you may well encounter snakes as they are moving to hibernation dens. Northern Pacific Rattlesnake. Snakes, in general, have gotten a bad rap and not many people look forward to coming face to face with them. Panicking and running will almost certainly result in a strike and bite. Luckily Washington has only one venomous snake to worry about – the Northern Pacific rattlesnake. Map does not show area of true distribution, only the states in which there is a population. Business Hours: Monday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Tuesday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Wednesday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Thursday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Saturday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, © 2009-2020 T J Croach LLP. All Rights Reserved. Do NOT apply tourniquets or ice packs to the bite site or affected limb. It is not unusual to find one basking on the patio or driveway. While the vast majority of local snakes are harmless, certain venomous species can be found throughout the Pacific Northwest. What should you do if you have been bitten? If you have done your fall inspection and repairs for the winter only to find a problem, like a snake hiding out in the garage or basement, it is best to leave snake-handling to professionals. Concerned with my presence a few yards away, it is seen here sensing the air with its tongue and rattling its tail, then pausing to watch a bicycle speed down the road, then rattling some more. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Luckily Washington has only one venomous snake to worry about – the Northern Pacific rattlesnake. After you have regained your composure, call Croach® and we will send one of our experienced technicians out to take care of the problem. Next, wash the bite area with soap and water and remove anything that may be restrictive (rings especially) as swelling will happen. The Northern Pacific rattlesnake is right at home in Central Washington's landscape, climate and shrub-steppe ecology. These have not been shown to be effective and may worsen tissue damage in the area of the bite. If there is a drastic reduction in the snake population, in turn, there will be a significant increase in the rodent and pest population (rats, mice, squirrels, insects, snails, and slugs). The babies will be searching for a warm place to sun and a first meal! If possible, DO restrict the movement of the affected limb. are being warned of dangerous snakes as summer approaches. Northern Pacific Rattlesnake are Mild-Mannered Homebodies. Scientific name: Crotalus oreganus oreganus PDF version of this page The Northern Pacific Rattlesnake is a stout snake, distinguished from all other B.C. If there is no food and water source, they will soon search for the exit. Distribution: This subspecies of the western rattlesnake is found in California, from Santa Barbara north through most of Oregon and eastern Washington.. Habitat: This rattlesnake occurs in arid plains, desert margins, fertile valleys, prairie grasslands, chaparral-covered foothills, on rocky ridges, in mountain meadows, and forests. You may also call 911. log in to manage your profile and account, [Northern Pacific Rattlesnake [Crotalus oreganus]. Do not cut or suck the bite. In reality, they are not our enemy, rather an important part of the food chain and should not be killed. Officials with the Washington Poison Center said the species are mainly limited to areas east of the Cascades. [Northern Pacific Rattlesnake [Crotalus oreganus]. Bites from the venomous species can be life-threatening. Do NOT attempt to extract the venom from the bite site or use commercially sold 'snakebite kits' or 'venom extractors'. With rodent populations come destruction, but if a snake comes into your home he is only there looking for a meal or occasionally searching for a warm place to winter. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. From poison center officials: Other tips from the Washington Poison Center website: © 2020 Cox Media Group. When a bite does happen it is important to not panic which is easier said than done. Snakes, in general, have gotten a bad rap and not many people look forward to coming face to face with them. But keeping your wits about you will result in the venom taking longer to do damage. A Northern Pacific Rattlesnake crossed a mountain road on a windy spring morning in Contra Costa County then coiled defensively at the edge of the road. ", Michelle Ewing, Cox Media Group National Content Desk, Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk. Keep the area that has been bitten below the heart and go to the Emergency Room and/or call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1212. Photo from the Washington Poison Center website.]. In the United States, the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake is found in California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. DO remove any rings or constricting items from the limb as swelling may occur. Scientific name: Crotalus oreganus oreganus Distribution. See pictures above & embedded within the story. Northern Pacific Rattle Snake. If you are able to safely photograph the snake, this may help in identification, but do NOT put yourself at risk for another bite! Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. "If a snake has bitten you or a family member, remain calm and call the Washington Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. The Lone Ranger got it wrong when he sucked the poison from the rattlesnake bite of his trusty sidekick, Tonto. KING COUNTY, Wash. — Washington state hikers are being warned of dangerous snakes as summer approaches. Do NOT attempt to capture a snake. To snakes, rodents are a tasty meal. All calls are free, confidential, and answered by healthcare professionals.