Do snakes have to be coiled to strike?

Rattlesnakes are distributed across the United States and are a scary sight for most human beings. However, snakes often avoid interaction with humans as we are not their intended prey. Snakes will often only strike for two primary reasons: 1) to subdue prey before eating and 2) to defend themselves. When it comes to the choice to fight or flee, a snake would much rather slither away. However, if a rattlesnake senses that your presence is an imminent threat, it may take a defensive stance. By learning a few simple facts about how far rattlesnakes can strike, plus more about their bite, behavior and areas of activity, you can help to avoid becoming a victim.

Rattlesnake Striking Distance

How close is too close to a rattlesnake with respect to strike distance? The answer depends, in part, on the length of the snake. In most cases, a snake can strike up to a distance between 1/3 to 1/2 of its body length. For example, if the snake is four feet in length, its strike can likely reach no more than two feet.

When rattlesnakes feel threatened, they will rattle their tails to make noise. This is an indication that they are willing to defend themselves. Rattlesnakes generally coil tightly before striking, as this protective position provides the best platform for which to launch a strike. If a snake is threatened, it will attack with its fangs exposed, ready to bite. Despite its name, don’t expect a rattlesnake to always rattle its tail in warning. If a snake is observed, it is best to move away from the area.

How Far Can a Rattlesnake Jump?

Snakes cannot jump, but instead lunge forward from a coiled position at an accelerated speed. As a snake launches itself, it may appear as though the snake is jumping. One study at The University of Louisiana, Lafayette, found that rattlesnakes were the fastest striking among venomous snakes. The study revealed that rattlesnakes can lunge forward half of a foot in only 70 milliseconds, which is faster than the blink of an eye. Snakes must strike quickly to catch fast-moving prey, including small rodents and birds.

Facts About Snake Bites

While there may not be enough time to avoid a striking rattlesnake, there is a chance you may not be injected with venom. In another study at Loma Linda University, researchers examined how much venom is released by rattlesnakes during striking. The results showed that, in some cases, rattlesnakes can control how much venom they inject. It was reported that 10% of defensive bites administered by rattlesnakes striking at laboratory models of human limbs did not expel venom. A reason for this may be that some snakes save their venom for predatory bites versus defensive strikes and this is especially evident in snakes that are hungry. The study also found that larger snakes generally release more venom than smaller snakes. As a general rule, if you see a rattlesnake or other type of snake, leave the area to avoid potential interaction. If you do get bitten by a rattlesnake, it is imperative that you seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Human Bites and Treatment

Rattlesnakes do not always rattle before they strike, nor must they coil before they strike. If they feel threatened, they may coil, strike, retreat or do nothing at all. Each snake is a unique individual and responds accordingly. In spite of the snakes� lethal potential, fewer than 1 percent of the people bitten in the United States by venomous snakes die. Many bites to adult humans are the result of human provocation.

If you are bitten, remain calm and get to a hospital as soon as possible. Most first-aid treatments suggested many years ago are no longer recommended.

Important Note: Do not attempt to capture or kill the snake. In modern medical facilities, all rattlesnake bites receive the same antivenin.

Rattlesnake Rules

Here are a few simple rules that will help keep you from having an unexpected, and potentially dangerous, encounter with a rattlesnake.

1. Identify everything before you pick it up.
   
2. Don�t touch anything that can hurt you. If you don�t know if it can hurt you, don�t touch it.
   
3. Always look under things before picking them up, and whenever possible, before stepping on or around them.
   
4. Look under things from a distance (use a tool to lift, then look).
   
5. Always use a flashlight when you are out at night.
   
6. Do not pick up a �dead�rattlesnake. It may not be dead, and even if it is, it may still bite (reflexively) and envenomate.
   
7. Don�t walk barefoot or in open-toed shoes in the desert.
   

Guidelines for Removing a Rattlesnake from Your Yard or Home

Purpose

There are two reasons for attempting to remove (rather than kill) a rattlesnake from your property:

• Human or animal safety.
• Snake safety. Why? An injured snake is a dangerous one!

Mindset

To successfully remove a rattlesnake you need the right technique as well as the right mental and emotional state. You must remain calm when dealing with venomous animals. You must be in control of yourself to be in control of the animal.

Equipment

• Tongs
  We recommend 42-inch tongs for dealing with a range of wild-caught animals.
• Container
  A specially designed, hinged, double-lidded wooden box, with a latching top is best. Single-lid boxes or large trash cans with secure lids can also be used. Be sure to check equipment periodically and immediately prior to use. You don�t want to find out that something is missing or broken when you need to capture an animal.

Technique

• Be sure to have an escape route should you need it.
• Keep others away from the area (an assistant is very helpful for this).
• Approach the snake cautiously, preferably at an angle rather than head on.
• Maintain a safe distance. A snake may be able to strike a distance of up to two-thirds or more of its body length. If you stay more than one body length away you will be quite safe.
• Set up the container.
• Gently put the tongs around the animal. It is best to grasp the snake somewhere slightly before or at mid-body. Farther forward or backward risks injury to the snake and makes the creature more difficult to manipulate, which increases the risk to you.
• Gently apply enough pressure to slow or stop the animal from moving through the tongs. Too little pressure and the animal escapes, too much and it may be injured.
• Put the lid on the container without putting your fingers, or any other part of your body, on the underside of the lid or in a place where the animal can strike them.
• Secure the lid. You can use masking tape or bungee cords to secure a trash can lid.
• Relocate the animal, preferably a short distance from where it was captured, in an area where the snake doesn�t pose a threat to people or their pets.

How do you know if a snake is going to strike?

Can rattlesnakes strike uncoiled?

What causes snakes to strike?

What is the distance a snake can strike?