Rattlesnakes are one of the most venomous snakes in North America. They are probably the most recognized, as well as the most feared snake in the United States too.
With an average of 7,000 – 8,000 reported snake bites per year in the U.S., it’s no wonder many people worry that rattlers might lie in wait, eager to ambush any unsuspecting passerby.
Are rattlesnakes aggressive? Rattlesnakes are not aggressive by nature. They prefer to retreat when they feel safe to do so. Most bites occur when they are touched, provoked, or if they feel trapped. While rattlesnakes are certainly willing to stand their ground when threatened, their behavior is considered defensive rather than aggressive.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about rattlesnake aggression.
When Are Rattlesnakes Most Aggressive?
Just because rattlesnakes are not usually aggressive doesn’t mean they are NEVER aggressive. There are certainly times when they are more likely to bite.
When are rattlesnakes most aggressive? Rattlesnakes are most aggressive when they feel threatened and trapped. Additionally, rattlesnakes can naturally become more aggressive when they are about to shed, when they are touched, or if you are too close to them.
Snakes shed their skin as they grow. This includes the ocular scales which is the skin covering their eyes. Prior to shedding, their outer layer of skin will begin detaching itself. The skin will dry up and die as the outer layer prepares to come off.
During this time the snake’s ocular scales become opaque which hinders their vision.
Rattlesnakes are in the pit viper family, and rely heavily on the pits located beneath their nostrils to detect prey, but that doesn’t mean they are blind or that they don’t use their eyesight at all.
As the skin over their eyes prepares to detach, it dries and hinders their vision. This may put the serpent on edge as it can’t see threats as clearly. They feel more vulnerable, and as a result are more likely to bite in order to protect themselves from perceived threats. Always avoid rattlesnakes with milky or bluish eyes!
Other Time Rattlesnakes Are More Likely To Be Aggressive
- When you are too close. How close is too close? However close the rattler in question decides is too close! That being said, you should never come within striking range of any wild snake.
- When they feel they have no retreat. When rattlesnakes are in burrows, are under rocks, or have anything to their back, then they feel they must protect themselves by striking.
- It may become aggressive if it feels threatened. The snake may have the room to retreat, but if it feels like you are a predator, it will stand it’s ground and strike if you are too close.
- When they are touched. Professional handlers have trained themselves to know how to safely touch a snake. They know where and when it’s safe to touch. That being said, rattlesnakes do not like to be touched or handled as a general rule, and are likely to bite. Over 50% of all snake bites happen when someone is handling the snake.
Are Rattlesnakes More Aggressive During The Day Or At Night?
Both!
As a general rule, rattlesnakes are more active during the day during the spring and fall. On hot summer days however, they prefer to hunt at night when it is cooler.
It is never safe to make assumptions though.
Like all wild animals, they can be active any time food is available. The wide variety of animals that compose a rattlers diet include both diurnal prey (active during the day) as well as nocturnal (active at night).
You are just as likely to be bitten at midnight as you are at noon.
Does A Rattlesnake’s Rattle Mean It’s About To Bite?
Rattlesnakes are world renowned for their distinctive rattling tails.
Does a rattlesnakes rattle mean it’s about to bite? When a rattlesnake is rattling its tail, it does not necessarily mean a bite is imminent. This is usually done to alert you that they are nearby, and to scare you off so that you don’t mess with them. A rattlesnakes rattle is simply a warning.
“Hey you! I’m here! I’d rather not meet accidentally so I’m letting you know where I am. Move along and have a nice day!”
If you heed the snake’s warning, all will be fine.
Will A Rattlesnake Chase You
Some people believe all snakes will chase you. Many might even be able to back it up with a story!
This is simply not true.
Will a rattlesnake chase you? No they will not. Rattlesnakes are actually pretty slow moving in the serpent world. They are ambush hunters who lie in wait for their food to come by. After eating they often become sluggish, and prefer to retreat to their dens while their food digests.
There are certainly a few select species which are known for chasing people, such as the bushmaster (Are Bushmaster Snakes Aggressive?), but as a general rule most snakes prefer to run and hide, or at worst, stand their ground rather than give chase.
Like all other snake species, rattlesnakes are ecotherms.
This means they rely on their surroundings for body temperature regulation rather than heating themselves internally like mammals.
Due to this, they are also sluggish when it is cool outside and would prefer to simply lie in the sun to warm up rather than exert the energy to defend themselves or chase you.
How Many People Are Bitten By Rattlesnakes Each Year?
With rattlesnakes being so famous, you would think the number of bites each year would be staggering.
The truth is, the number of bites is fairly small.
How many people are bitten by rattlesnakes each year? The exact number of rattlesnake specific bites is not known. According to the CDC, there are an average of 7,000 to 8,000 venomous snake bites per year in the U.S., with the number one culprit being the copperhead. Other snakes would include moccasins, coral snakes, and exotic snakes kept as pets.
So How Likely Are You To Be Bitten By A Rattlesnake?
In all honesty, the likelihood of you ever being bitten by a rattlesnake is pretty low. It is even less likely that you would be envenomed, especially if you take some common sense precautions. Look at these statistics.
- 25% or more of rattlesnake bites are considered “dry bites”, meaning the snake bites without injecting any venom.
- Nearly 60% of bites occur when a rattlesnake is stepped on or very nearly stepped on. Additionally, most people are bitten on the feet or very low on the leg. Wear shoes or boots when walking in areas known to have rattlesnakes.
- It is estimated that 30% of bites are feints. The snake is striking without the intention of biting in order to scare their victim away.
- Nearly 30% of snake bite victims are intoxicated, and messing with the snake that bites them.
As you can see, on top of the rarity of being bitten by a snake naturally, simple common sense will prevent you from being bitten nearly every time you encounter one.
If you would like to learn more about this, check out this article I wrote titled, Why Do Snakes Bite?.
What To Do If You Are Bitten By A Rattlesnake
Although we have shown that the chance of you ever being bitten by a rattlesnake is extremely low, you should still know what to do if it ever happens. The old myth of sucking the poison out is simply that; a myth.
Here are the steps to take if you are ever bitten by any venomous snake.
- Get away from the snake so you don’t get bitten again. Many snakes will bite repeatedly, and with more intent each time.
- Don’t try to capture the snake, but do try to get a picture of it from a safe distance. This will help the Dr. decide on the best course of action.
- Try to keep the wound clean, and elevated if possible to reduce the speed the venom travels and its overall effects.
- Try to remain calm. This is often the hardest step for people, but you want to attempt to keep your heart rate from spiking which will cause your blood (and with it the venom) to spread more quickly. Less than 5 people per year die from snake bites in the U.S. You’re going to be fine. Relax.
- Go to a hospital or medical clinic. Even bites from non-venomous snakes can cause infections, so seek professional medical help to keep yourself safe.
Summary
While rattlesnakes are dangerous, they are nowhere near the aggressive, lethal monsters that they are often portrayed as. Think about it; they evolved a tool, their distinctive rattle, specifically designed to warn other animals that they are getting too close. They certainly aren’t trying to give their prey warning!
It is estimated that people spot less than 10% of the snakes that are in close proximity to them. Why is this? Because typically when a snake knows you are near, they prefer to get away quickly and quietly to avoid notice. Just like you, they would rather not meet.
Rattlesnakes are not aggressive, but they will protect themselves.