Being rattled by a rattlesnake is not a pleasant experience. It cannot be very comforting. But don’t worry, if you’re out hiking and come across a rattlesnake, the first thing to remember is not to panic. Rattlesnakes are generally shy and will try to avoid contact with humans. So if you see one, give it a wide berth and continue.
If the snake starts rattling at you, it’s warning you to stay away. Don’t try to kill or capture the snake – it’s best to leave it alone. Rattlesnakes are protected by law in most states, so harming one could result in a hefty fine. Some things you can do to stay safe. Here’s what you need to know.
What do you do if a rattlesnake rattles at you?
If you’re out in the wild and a rattlesnake rattles at you, the best thing to do is to stay calm and slowly back away. Don’t make sudden movements, as that could startle the snake and cause it to strike.
If you can’t back away (maybe there’s a rock behind you or something), stay still until the snake calms down. Once it does, you can slowly move away.
If you’re in your home and a rattlesnake comes in, the best thing to do is to call animal control right away.
They will be able to remove the snake from your premises safely. But, in the meantime, keep yourself and your family members away from the snake as much as possible.
And whatever you do, don’t try to kill it! That’s just asking for trouble.
What if you hear a rattlesnake but can’t see it?
If you can’t see the rattlesnake, the best thing to do is to stay calm and slowly back away. Don’t make sudden movements, as that could startle the snake and cause it to strike.
If you can’t back away (maybe there’s a rock behind you or something), stay still until the snake calms down. Once it does, you can slowly move away.
If you’re in your home and you hear a rattlesnake, the best thing to do is to call animal control right away.
They will be able to remove the snake from your premises safely. But, in the meantime, keep yourself and your family members away from the snake as much as possible. And whatever you do, don’t try to kill it! That’s just asking for trouble.
Why do rattlesnakes rattle?
Rattlesnakes are a type of venomous snake found in North, Central, and South America. They are distinguished from other snakes by the presence of a rattle at the end of their tail.
The rattle comprises a series of interlocking segments that produce a distinctive sound when shaken. Rattlesnakes use their rattles to warn predators and prey alike of their presence.
The sound is thought to be produced by vibrating the segments against each other, which rubs against the air to create vibrations.
This vibration is then transferred to the air around the snake, producing the characteristic rattling sound.
The rattle is also used to startle prey or to intimidate predators, both of which give the snake a better chance of survival.
Ultimately, the rattle is an essential part of the rattlesnake’s defenses and helps to ensure its continued existence in the wild.
Conclusion
If you are in a situation where a rattlesnake is rattling at you, the best thing to do is stay calm and slowly back away. If that’s not possible, stay still until the snake calms down. And if you’re in your home when it happens, call animal control immediately. They’ll be able to remove the snake for you safely. Just remember: don’t try to kill it!
