Rattlesnake Encounters That Went Wrong and What You Can Learn

Movies and TV shows about the Old West wouldn’t be complete without at least one encounter with a rattlesnake. This has helped make rattlesnakes some of the most recognized and feared venomous snakes in North America. It has also perpetuated inaccurate and unsafe myths about how these snakes behave and how to treat bites. In this article, we’ll share three real-life stories of rattlesnake encounters gone wrong to illustrate what not to do when one could be nearby.

A Texas Biologist Weighs In

This article will include expert thoughts from biologist Wendy Anderson. She works for Texas Nature Trackers, a conservation program of Texas Parks and Wildlife. She has a passion for educating the public about the role of snakes in the ecosystem and dispelling fears that prevent us from coexisting with these useful and mysteriously beautiful reptiles.

Case Study 1: Even Pros Get Bitten

In 2016, writer and outdoor expert Kyle Dickman was hiking with his family near Yosemite when he felt a sharp sting on his ankle. A northern Pacific rattlesnake had bitten him as he stepped near a bush. Within minutes, his leg swelled, turned purple, and he began vomiting from the pain. Emergency crews airlifted him to the hospital, where he was treated with antivenom. Even with fast help, recovery took weeks, and part of his leg stayed numb for months. Read the full story here.

Ask the Expert

Kyle was an experienced outdoorsman who was not trying to hurt the snake, so why did he get bitten? Aren’t snakes supposed to flee when people approach? Here’s how biologist Wendy Anderson assesses this type of situation:

“Rattlesnakes really aren’t aggressive by nature; they’re defensive. They usually want nothing to do with people. That said, their behavior can change depending on the season. In spring, males are on the move during breeding season. In the summer heat, snakes may react more quickly if startled while resting.”

So in Kyle’s case, the snake likely struck because it was caught off guard and acted in self-defense. It’s possible the time of year also played a role.

Lesson 1: Don’t Be Complacent

Our first case study is a reminder not to be careless in snake habitat. There are about 20 species of rattlesnakes found in nearly all parts of the U.S. except for Alaska, Hawaii, and some areas of far northern and northeastern states. They can be found in all sorts of different terrain, from river bottoms to mountain elevations of 8,000 feet or more. They particularly like hiding under logs, inside rock crevices, or in vegetation along trails. In the evening, they might stretch out on a rock or a paved trail or road to warm themselves. Like Kyle, you could find yourself minding your own business and suddenly get bitten by a snake you didn’t notice.

Here’s what not to do in those areas:

• Walk off-trail or through tall grass without looking

• Assume snakes will not hang out around well-traveled trails.

• Think that knowledge and experience are foolproof ways of staying safe.

Here are some things to do instead:

• Wear boots and long pants

• Make noise and walk with heavy steps to create vibrations and scare snakes off

• Use a walking stick to check the trail

Case Study 2: Didn’t Hear a Thing

In 2021, a 49-year-old hiker reached the top of Nevada Falls in Yosemite National Park. While resting near the water, he removed his shoes and stepped barefoot between two rocks. A well-hidden rattlesnake under one of the rocks bit him on the foot. Because of the noise of the waterfall, the hiker could not hear the warning rattle, if there was one. He called for help, and rangers flew him to a hospital by helicopter. After receiving antivenom, he spent several days in intensive care and made a full recovery. More details are available here.

Lesson 2: Don’t Put Body Parts Where You Can’t See

Our second case study reminds us to always watch where we’re putting our hands and feet. Snakes often rest in shaded or cool areas—especially during late spring and summer. They may hide between rocks, in brush, or near water. Climbers are an obvious category of people who may be in situations of reaching into crevices, but another common situation occurs when a camper decides, for whatever reason, to roll over a log.

What Not to Do:

• Walk barefoot in natural areas

• Reach under rocks or into gaps

• Assume you will always hear a rattle when a rattlesnake is near.

What to Do Instead:

• Use your eyes and a walking stick to check first

• Always wear shoes outdoors, even around camp

• Check around logs, debris, and rocks before touching or sitting

• When rolling over a log, roll it toward you so that any snake will have a clear escape route away from you.

Case Study 3: You’re Not a Snake-Wrangler

In April 2021, a man in South Corona, California, was bitten by a rattlesnake after he tried to handle it with barbecue tongs. Identified as “Steve,” the man went to his neighbor’s yard to assist in removing the snake, believing he could handle it because of his experience on a snake mitigation team in the U.S. Army. He tried to capture the snake with 14-in. long barbecue tongs and put it in a bucket. Rattlesnakes can strike a distance equivalent to 1/3-1/2 of their body length, so predictably, the plan did not work, and Steve got bitten on the hand. He immediately got medical attention and recovered after antivenom treatment, admitting that he was an “idiot” to attempt this stunt. See the news coverage of the event here.

Expert Insight

We asked biologist Wendy Anderson for her thoughts on amateur snake-wrangling. This is a huge mistake, as she explains:

“Most rattlesnake bites happen because people are trying to grab, move, or disturb a snake. I actually discourage any handling of snakes and instead just take a picture. It can land you in the hospital—or worse.”

Lesson 3: Never Try to Handle a Rattlesnake

It’s worth noting that it’s not just people with actual snake handling expertise, like Steve, who are overconfident about their abilities. Lots of regular folks get bitten trying to kill a snake, shoo it away, or handle it in the ways they’ve seen people do on TV or the internet. Some of those practices, even when done by an ostensible expert, are intended to make a more exciting video and are not safe. In some cases of snakebite, alcohol is a factor in a person being overconfident and having slower reflexes, making that an especially dangerous scenario. Note also that even after death, a snake can bite reflexively, even if the head has been severed.

What Not to Do:

• Try to catch, move, or kill a snake

• Pose with live or “dead” snakes for photos

• Copy unsafe practices seen in the media

What to Do Instead

• Back away slowly and calmly

• Give the snake space to escape

• Report it to authorities if it is in your yard or in a place where it could hurt others, such as a playground or golf course.

The Best Protection is Respect

Most rattlesnake bites can be avoided with simple precautions: Be aware of where snakes tend to hang out. Dress appropriately. Make noise so they will get out of the way. Never try to handle a snake. Learn from others’ experiences to avoid making the same mistakes. Most of all, respect nature—and it will respect you back.

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