Rattlesnake Bites at Mrs. America

Arizona has 17 types of rattlesnakes and all are venomous. Keep your eyes open and take a few simple precautions to avoid unwanted encounters with these native creatures.

I can sympathize with Mrs. Tennessee. In Tucson this week for the national Mrs. America contest, Christina Ryan was walking to a rehearsal at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort when she saw a spider on the staircase. Her natural reaction was to jump away from it, whereupon she got bit by a rattlesnake.

There are 17 different types of rattlesnakes in Arizona. All of them are venomous. The largest and most common is the Western Diamondback, which can grow up to five and a half feet – without the rattle. It takes its name from its large diamond-shaped markings.

Ryan first felt a sting just above her toe on her right foot. She didn't stick around to get a good look at her attacker. But as the pain got worse and worse, she ended up spending 15 hours in the hospital and needed 10 vials of antivenom.

Rattlesnake venoms are complex poisons. Their composition and strength varies greatly depending on the species and an individual's reaction to the poison. Although less than one percent of rattlesnake bites are fatal, they can cause serious symptoms and victims must always seek medical attention.

For me rattlesnakes are one of the hazards of living in Arizona. I take comfort from the fact that most people spend their lives here and never see one.

Vigilance is the best protection. Never put your hands or feet blindly into rocky crevices, thick brush, wood piles or other places where they might be hiding. Wear shoes or boots in the desert.

Snakes are most active from April through October. After dark, they like to crawl out onto the warm pavements, just waiting to be stepped on. Always carry a flashlight when walking at night.

And always look where you jump.

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