Genus; Crotalus

Rattlesnakes. There are 45,000 snakebites annually in the United States. 7-8,000 of these are considered venomous. 12-15 deaths occur each year. A rattlesnake’s primary defense is avoidance. They are nocturnal feeders and during the day can be found under brush and rocks. They rely on camouflage. When alarmed, they coil and shake their rattle. If a pit viper strikes a runner, it will most likely be on the lower extremity. 15-30% of crotalid bites will inject no venom at all!

If a snake should bite you, determine if it is dry or venomous. Pain and local swelling is the first sign of envenomation. This can advance to rapid swelling of the entire extremity, blisters with blood in them, and bruising and broken vessel appearance. Systemic affects include, tingling of scalp and twitching of the muscles around the eyes. Weakness, sweating, nausea and dizziness may occur. A minty or metallic taste may ensue. A person can get very sick or have incredible disability or need for amputation from a rattlesnake bite.

If you run alone, let someone know your itinerary. If you get bit, and have an envenomation, stay calm. Keep the extremity lower than the heart and immobilize. Take of any jewelry off. Place a bandana or something similar in a fashion like a tourniquet. Not so tight, just enough to decrease lymphatic flow. Drink lots of fluids. Use your cell phone to call 9-1-1, or send a companion to get help.

Rattlesnake bites are not benign and require rapid transport to an emergency room where antivenin can be administered. If you should ever receive a venomous bite during the WS 100, notify the nearest aid station to help with evacuation.