Venomous Reptiles of Nevada

Rattlesnake Avoidance Classes for Dogs - Summer of 2008

Imposter Alert!

Great Basin Gopher Snake The Great Basin Gopher Snake is locally called the Bull Snake. This non-venomous snake is an impostor. It has the ability to mimic a rattlesnake by flattening its head to a triangular shape and inflating its body to appear larger. It can even imitate the sound of a rattle by vibrating its tail in dry grass, leaves, or loose gravel.

Nevada is home to five snake species that can be dangerous to people and pets. They are the Sidewinder, Mohave, Speckled, Western Diamondback and Great Basin rattlesnakes. With the exception of juveniles, most rattlesnakes encountered in Nevada are 1 1/2 to 4 feet long.

Conflict Prevention

The best way to avoid trouble with venomous snakes is to be aware of your surroundings and observe some safety rules. (Venomous Snake First Aid)

• Avoid disturbing, removing or killing snakes. Most bites result from deliberate harassment of reptiles.
  
  
• Learn how to identify venomous reptiles.
  
  
• Use Caution when hiking
  
  
• Determine safety from a distance before placing hands or feet atop or among rocks, or crevices , entering abandoned dwellings, caves or mines.
  
  
• Lift rocks, wood or other potential cover sites so they are between you and the possible rattlesnake underneath.
  
  
• Check under your car on hot days in case a reptile is seeking shade.
  
  
• Check where you are going to step before getting in or out of your boat.
  
  
• Choose open campsites and always carry a flashlight when walking at night.
  
  
• Supervise your children's activities and teach them not to play with any snakes they find. Have them report any snakes they see to an adult.
  
  
• Keep pets on a leash.

General Characteristics

Rattlesnakes are pit vipers. They have facial or loreal pit, heat-sensitive depressions, on either side of the head between the nostril and eye. These pits can detect differences in temperatures less than 0.5'F in nearby objects and help rattlesnakes to detect prey even in complete darkness.

Compared to most non-venomous snakes, rattlesnakes have broad, triangular shaped heads that accommodate the venom glands and muscles controlling them. Venom is a complex toxic compound used both to subdue prey and protect against predators. Their jaws are loosely jointed an can unhinge to nearly 180 degree, allowing them to swallow their prey whole. (Human jaws open to only 40 degrees).

Flexible jaws also allow the use of the venom dispensing fangs, which are folded against the roof of the mouth when not in use. The hypodermic needle fangs swing down as the snake lunges forward to strike. Fangs are not permanent, but are periodically replaced. The ability to dispense venom means life or death for the rattlesnake.