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- Dec 31, 2006
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From Don Rearic- Let me ask you a question. Species of rattlesnake being the same, would you rather be bitten by a 2 feet long or 5 feet long rattlesnake? I mean, obviously, neither, right?But if you had to choose, I'm sure I can answer for you that you would choose the smaller rattlesnake. Why? Well, it's fangs would probably be at least a bit shorter and not being as large of a snake, the venom glands would, again, probably be smaller.
You would receive less venom, again, all other things being equal, right?
Answer- This will be the only part that I disagree on and it is probably a subject of dispute that will never have the right answer. Many, and I repeat Many doctors and Park Rangers that have been in the field for a long time have told me that you could get more venom from a juvenile snake than a larger one. The reason being is that an adult snake knows that you will not be food and will try to preserve it's venom for prey. They also explain that is why sometimes you can have a dry bite. They stated that a juvenile snake will not hesitate to put out its full venom potential on its strike.
Now I won't say that you are possibly wrong on this one but you could be absulutely right. It will make sense that the adult will recognize that you are not prey and might try to save it's venom for a more useful need. If someone has heard of the same thing please confirm. I got bit by a juvinile snake and one fang was all it took.
Peppe- This is often a topic of discussion.
Drop for drop, a juvenile snake may have venom that is more toxic than the adult. But the proportionately larger head of the adult means larger venom glands and more venom. Not to mention the greater fang length, which could put the venom out of reach from suction devices. I think enough has been said about that topic. So, the adult has the potential to do more damage.
As far as venom control and quantity of venom injected, thats a tough one. I tend to believe that the juvenile rattlesnakes are born with the ability to control the amount of venom they inject and determine what is prey. I have seen them choose prey items and even show a preference for lizards over mice, for example, when as adults they readily take mice. Their sense of "smell" is very good.
I received a dry bite from a juvenile rattlesnake that resulted in a one fang puncture. Very lucky. I read about an individual who received a one fang bite from a fairly small Mojave rattlesnake and he spent 10 days or so in ICU. I'll look to see if I can find the article that was written about that incident.
GB
