15 Common Rattlesnake Myths

Rattlesnakes get their name from their triangular heads and the distinct sound from the rattle at the end of their tails. Despite being classified as dangerous snakes, the many myths surrounding them put humans and these reptiles in danger. Let’s debunk 15 common rattlesnake misconceptions to help you separate fact from fiction and better understand these fascinating creatures.

Myth: Rattlesnakes Always Rattle Before Striking

Fact: While many believe rattlesnakes rattle before striking, they may strike silently as a defensive or predatory response. While they warn seeming threats to back off, they use surprise attacks or quick strikes like all predators. Relying solely on the rattle sound as a warning can be misleading and dangerous.

Myth: Young Rattlesnakes Are More Dangerous Than Adults

Fact: Although the venom of baby rattlesnakes has the same potency as adults, their smaller size often leads to less venom injection in a bite. Besides being able to inject more venom, adults have enough reserves to cause more damage. However, regardless of size, you should treat all bites as medical emergencies and seek immediate medical attention. Size doesn’t determine danger; the presence of venom does

Myth: Rattlesnakes Can Jump When Attacking

Fact: It is a common misconception that rattlesnakes can jump to attack their prey or humans. In reality, rattlesnakes cannot jump like other animals. They rely on powerful muscles to strike quickly and accurately at their target. Their typical attack mode is to hit from a coiled position rather than jump. So, rattlesnakes jumping to attack is simply a myth, not based on their actual behavior.

Myth: You Can Effectively Suck Out Venom from a Snake Bite

Fact: The myth is false as the venom spreads rapidly in the bloodstream, making it impossible to remove it through suction. It is also dangerous because attempting to suck out venom can worsen the wound by causing additional tissue damage and infection. Likewise, the mouth contains bacteria that can introduce harmful pathogens into the wound, increasing the risk of complications. Instead, seek immediate medical attention, proper wound care, and antivenom therapy.

Myth: All Rattlesnakes Have a Loud Rattle

Fact: There are different species of rattlesnakes, and they have varying sound levels for their rattles depending on their size, age, and environmental conditions. Some have less pronounced rattles, while others may not use theirs as a warning. Therefore, you must be cautious regardless of the sound they produce.

Myth: Rattlesnakes Always Move Together

Fact: Rattlesnakes are solitary creatures often seen alone, especially when hunting and foraging for food. They’re also territorial and like to avoid others in the vicinity. This misconception may originate from occasional sightings of mating pairs during the breeding season, which does not reflect their usual behavior.

Myth: Rattlesnakes Can Only Live in Deserts

Fact: Rattlesnakes are not exclusive to deserts as they can adapt to habitats like forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Some species also live in mountains or coastal areas since they can regulate their body temperature to survive in these climates. Additionally, rattlesnakes have been observed in urban areas, debunking the idea that they only live in deserts.

Myth: You Can Determine the Age of a Rattlesnake by the Number of Rattles

Fact: Rattlesnakes shed their rattles several times a year, which can vary in frequency and growth rate. Besides, rattles can break off from wear or their everyday activities. The most reliable method to determine a rattlesnake’s age is examining its segments in a cross-section under a microscope, like counting growth rings in a tree trunk.

Myth: Rattlesnakes Chase Humans

Fact: Rattlesnakes usually attack when they feel threatened or cornered, not as an act of pursuit. It’s not a race! They reserve their venom for hunting prey, not chasing humans who aren’t even their natural prey. Besides, they have limited energy reserves and prefer avoiding unnecessary confrontations to conserve energy.

Myth: Rattlesnakes Will Quickly Die if Trapped Without Food or Water

Fact: Snakes can survive for months without food, sometimes months, due to their slow metabolism. They can get water from various sources, such as condensation or prey. In a 2007 research, scientists discovered that despite depriving a group of snakes of food for six months, they continued to grow longer. The study reported that they reduced their metabolic rate by 72% to conserve energy and survive.

Myth: Rattlesnakes Are Always Aggressive and Out to Get You

Fact: Rattlesnakes are generally shy and try to avoid confrontation with humans; however, they defend themselves and strike when threatened or provoked. According to US research based on media reports of snakebites and daily Google searches, 70% of bites between 2011 and 2013 were “legitimate” — from accidental exposure or stepping on an unseen snake.

Myth: Cutting the Head off a Rattlesnake Prevents Venom Injection

Fact: Since rattlesnakes connect their fangs to venom glands deep within the head, severing the head doesn’t stop venom injection. Even after decapitation, the muscles in the head can still reflexively bite down and inject more. Additionally, attempting to decapitate a rattlesnake is dangerous and can result in hurting the victim, leading to more injury.

Myth: Rattlesnakes Are Deaf

Fact: Rattlesnakes have specialized sensory organs in their jawbone that detect vibrations and low-frequency sounds. Studies have shown that they respond to specific auditory cues in their environment. How else would they be able to locate prey, approach potential mates, and avoid predators?

Myth: Rattlesnakes Are Apex Predators Without Predators

Fact: Despite being formidable predators, rattlesnakes aren’t apex predators without threats. They hide from larger animals like coyotes, weasels, hawks, and eagles that can kill them. There are even certain species of kingsnakes that are immune to their venom. Humans are also a significant danger through habitat destruction and intentional killing.

Myth: Killing a Rattlesnake Is the Best Way to Handle an Encounter

Fact: Rattlesnakes maintain ecological balance by controlling rodent populations and smaller mammals. Killing them disrupts this balance. It would be best if you also understood that they primarily only bite in self-defense when threatened, so avoiding them is usually enough for safety. The best approach is to leave them alone. If found in your surroundings, call a wildlife expert, as they are protected species in some regions.