Jump to content

Newborn found at base of Leavenworth crag


brad

Recommended Posts

  • Replies 12
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

I believe it is a Western Pacific Rattlesnake. This was at the power tower. I have seen no less than 5 snakes already this season in the tumwater. especially the last couple of weeks. I almost put my hand on an adult last thursday. Scared the shit out of me. That combined with two black bear encounters in two weeks has me feeling a little on edge lately, especially off trail.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Careful of the baby rattlesnakes, they don't have venom dosage control and a bite is much more likely to be severe/lethal than an adult rattlesnake. (It sure is cute though!)

From Loma Linda University Medical Center website

Many people believe that a baby rattlesnake is more dangerous than an adult rattlesnake. However, a large rattlesnake is more likely to deliver much more venom than a baby rattlesnake. In the clinical experience at Loma Linda University Medical Center, large rattlesnakes cause more serious injuries than baby rattlesnakes.

 

http://lomalindahealth.org/medical-center/our-services/emergency/programs-and-divisions/venom-er/resources/when-snakes-strike.page

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think that is a gopher snake. It doesn't have the triangular shaped head that a rattler does nor the pit organ depression that all pit vipers have. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crotalinae

 

As for the baby debate, I recall learning in WFR that rattlesnakes are more likely use venom in a bite than older snakes, who will bite for defense without using venom. When adult snakes use venom the dose is higher, which is still inline with the previously posted article. So it would seem that you're more likely to be injected with venom by a young snake, but more likely to suffer venomous effects if an older snake uses their venom.

 

"Rattlesnakes are born with fully functioning fangs capable of injecting venom and can regulate the amount of venom they inject when biting. Generally they deliver a full dose of venom to their prey, but may deliver less venom or none at all when biting defensively. A frightened or injured snake may not exercise such control. Young snakes are also dangerous,[4] and should not be treated with any less caution than the adults."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rattlesnake

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




×
×
  • Create New...