The Prairie Rattlesnake is the only native venomous snake species in West River, according to RCFD spokesman Jim Bussell who says that if you live here or are visiting, it’s important that you know your surroundings and know that rattlers live here. He said that they prefer to be left alone, are not aggressive by nature, and most of the time strike when threatened or surprised…..
He says rattlesnake bites require immediate medical attention. Bussell says there are a number of things they tell people not to do for instance cutting the bite and trying to suck out the venom…
The blood flow slows, but causes the blood to back up and make the tissue death worse, then when the tourniquet is removed, a large amount of venom is released into the blood stream. He said the most appropriate course is to remove anything tight, and try not to use the extremity.
Bites can cause tissue death, neurotoxic symptoms impacting the central nervous system which include lethargy, breathing difficulty, altered mental status, and can also prevent the blood from clotting.
Story By: KOTA’s Marnie Cook
