Rattlesnake season is here
Arizona rattlesnakes are starting to come alive as the weather warms. At least one person has already been bitten by a rattlesnake in the Tucson area. Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center spokesman Mark Murphy said more than 200 people are bitten by rattlers in Arizona during a typical year.
Southern Arizona is home to 11 species of rattlesnakes. They typically hibernate from November to March, although it’s possible to come across one in the desert on a warm day at any time of the year.
Herpetologists say most snakebites are delivered by Western diamondback rattlesnakes. The large, dangerous snakes can pack a high dose of venom. Arizona Game and Fish biologist Randy Babb said if there’s any good news about being bitten by a rattlesnake, it’s that only a small percentage of victims die.
Excerpt from www.azcentral.com
