The Venomous Snakes in Washington State

The only venomous snakes in Washington State are the Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes. The Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus oreganus) is a sub-species of the Western Rattlesnake.

Anyone who spends time outdoors in Washington will be safer if they learn all they can about these snakes. Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes bite around 25 people in Washington in an average year.

This guide is designed to give you detailed information on where Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes live in Washington, how to recognize them, and how to avoid conflicts with them.

Pit Vipers: The Venomous Masters of Infrared Detection

Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, and Cottonmouths are among the most well-known members of the venomous Crotalinae subfamily of the Viperidae family of venomous snakes, also referred to as pit vipers. Since Washington’s venomous snakes are rattlesnakes, let’s learn about pit vipers.

What Makes Pit Vipers Unique?

Infrared-Sensing Pits:
A defining feature of pit vipers is the deep facial pit between their nostril and the eye on each side of their head. These specialized infrared-detecting organs allow pit vipers to sense heat emitted by prey. This adaptation enables them to:
- Detect body heat from up to 1 meter away.
- Strike prey with pinpoint accuracy, even in complete darkness.
Triangular Heads and Vertical Pupils:
- Head Shape: Pit vipers are recognized by their distinct triangular-shaped heads, which house their venom glands.
- Eyes: They have vertical elliptical-shaped pupils.
Venomous Fangs:
Pit vipers have hollow fangs connected to venom glands. These fangs fold back against the roof of their mouth when not in use. All pit vipers are born with multiple fangs and replace them every couple of months. Old fangs are shed one at a time. Consequently, a pit viper bite may only involve one fang.
Pit Viper Bites: Interestingly, these snakes have a sphincter on each venom gland. This allows them to control the flow of venom through the fangs. A snake may elect not to inject any venom with a bite. Scientists surmise that this is because it takes time for it to rebuild its venom store. Twenty to twenty-five percent of pit viper-to-human bites are dry bites.

Ecological Importance

Pit vipers play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance by controlling rodent populations. Despite their fearsome reputation, these snakes are vital to the health of many habitats.

Rattlesnakes

What Washington’s rattlesnakes have in common with most other rattlesnakes is their rattle.
Most rattlesnakes have a rattle at their tail’s end, comprised of hollow, loosely interlocked keratinous scales.
Normally, a rattlesnake adds a new segment to its rattle each time it sheds its skin.
An agitated rattlesnake rapidly vibrates its tail, causing the segments of its rattle to vibrate together, creating a buzzing or rattling sound.
If you hear a rattling noise when you’re out in rattlesnake habitat, do not move until you spot where it originated. Otherwise, you may accidentally move into the snake, provoking it to strike you.
You must be aware of where you are placing your hands and feet in rattlesnake country.
Not all of Idaho’s rattlesnakes rattle before they strike. Sometimes, they lose their rattles due to injury, and sometimes, they choose not to rattle.

Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus oreganus)

The Northern Pacific rattlesnake is a sub-species of the Western rattlesnake.

What Do Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes Look Like?

Size	Average adult snakes can grow to 39 inches (99cm) long. The longest Northern Pacific rattlesnake on record is 64 inches (163cm).
Coloration	*Base colors: Dark brown, dark gray, or black. *Back: A covering of dark blotches with lighter edges runs along their backs. *Tail: Lighter-edged blotches turn into crossbands at the tail. The last two crossbands at the end of their tail are generally black. *Belly: Pale yellow with brown spots.
Face	A dark brown stripe runs from behind each eye toward the mouth. The dark brown stripe is outlined with lighter stripes on either side.
Conservation Status	*Species of Least Concern in Washington.

Where Do Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes Live?

Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes are found in central California and in parts of Oregon, Idaho, Washington State, and British Columbia.

In Washington state, they are the only rattlesnake species. They live exclusively in the eastern part of the state, east of the Cascade Range.

Their habitats include the eastern slopes of the Cascades, the Columbia Plateau, the Columbia Basin, and the Okanogan region. Visitors to Lake Chelan in the Okanogan Basin may occasionally encounter these snakes. They are also found in areas around the Blue Mountains.

These rattlesnakes are highly adaptable and thrive in various habitats, including pine-oak woodlands and coniferous forests with cedar, ponderosa pine, and juniper trees. During spring and fall, they often bask on south-facing rock ledges and rocky hillsides to regulate their body temperature.

Northern Pacific Rattlesnake Brumation

To survive the cold winter, snakes and other reptiles enter a state called brumation, similar to hibernation. As ectotherms, they rely on external sources to regulate their body temperature and cannot hibernate like mammals.

Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes brumate in communal dens, typically housing 10 to 50 snakes. While their young leave the mother after a few weeks, they follow her scent trail back to the den for the winter.

These dens are usually found in rocky crevices on south-facing slopes, which receive more sunlight. In colder northern areas, these snakes may brumate for up to six months. They also bask on the surface for 3 to 4 weeks before and after brumation to warm up.

If hiking on south-facing rocky slopes in early spring, be cautious, as you might encounter a large group of rattlesnakes. When warmer weather arrives, the snakes disperse until early September. However, they return to these slopes in the fall to prepare for brumation, so it’s best to avoid these areas again.

How Dangerous Are Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes?

Northern Pacific rattlesnake venom has neurotoxic properties, along with hemotoxins and myotoxins.

Envenomation from one of these snakes may cause a multitude of symptoms. These include pain, swelling, fatigue, muscle weakness, body aches, and joint pain. In some cases, enlarged lymph nodes, anxiety, drowsiness, nausea, and diarrhea occur. Some of the systemic symptoms include neurological symptoms, internal hemorrhaging, and kidney failure.

Rattlesnake Predators

Rattlesnake Predators That Are Immune to Rattlesnake Venom

Although they are venomous, Western Rattlesnakes do have some predators.

Two of these are the California Kingsnake and the Common Kingsnake. Both snakes, which kill by constriction, are somewhat immune to snake venom.
Skunks also prey on rattlesnakes. Fortunately for them, they are also immune to snake venom.
Badgers also eat rattlesnakes and have some immunity to rattlesnake venom.
Feral hogs are also immune to snake venom and find rattlesnakes to be tasty snacks.

Rattlesnake Predators That Are Not Immune to Rattlesnake Venom

The following animals occasionally prey on rattlesnakes but are not immune to their venom. They have to manage to kill the snake without being bitten.

coyotes
bobcats
mountain lions
raptors

Avoiding Snake Bite

Many bites happen when someone accidentally steps on or near the snake. With rattlesnakes, you might hear a rattle that tells you you’re getting too close, but then again, you might not. To stay safe in snake habitats, always watch where you step and where you place your hands.

Another common cause of snake bite is attempts to capture or kill a snake. Remember, venomous snakes can strike instantly, delivering a potentially life-threatening bite. The safest approach is to keep a safe distance and leave them alone.

Dressing for Snake Country

High-top leather boots and long pants are both wise ideas.
Also, wear loose-fitting denim. If there’s a gap before the snake’s fangs touch your skin, your chances of being envenomated are lower.
In the absence of high-top leather boots, some people wear snake gaiters.

Symptoms of Venomous Snake Bites

Some of the symptoms you may experience from a venomous snake bite include:

Discoloration in the area of the bite.
Swelling in the area of the bite.
Loss of muscle coordination.
Tingling sensation in the area of the bite.
Feeling nauseous.
Having an abnormally rapid pulse.

What Should You Do If A Venomous Snake Bites You?

If you or someone you are with has suffered a venomous snakebite, time is of the essence. This is because the sooner a victim receives anti-venom, the less likely the venom in their body is to cause harm. In other words, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Do not attempt to kill the snake for identification purposes. This gives the snake a chance to bite you again. Also, consider that severed snakeheads can still bite and envenomate. If you have a phone, take a picture of the offending reptile. Otherwise, get started on your way to the hospital.

First Aid for Snake Bite Victims

Remain calm and limit your movements. Do not run. If you must hike back to a vehicle, do it calmly and deliberately. Put as little stress on your heart as possible.
Keep the area of the snake bite below the heart level and never above the heart level. Keeping the bite below the heart level will reduce the venom’s flow. However, holding the bite above your heart level will increase the venom’s flow.

Remove all constricting items such as bracelets, watches, or rings before swelling occurs.
Remember that using a cold compress on a venomous snake bite is not advisable. The cold may cause the local blood vessels to constrict and spread the venom faster.
You can wash the affected area like any other wound with soap and water.
You may cover the bite area with a moist dressing to reduce the swelling.

Get medical help as soon as possible. Call the hospital to tell them a venomous snake has bitten you. So they can have anti-venom ready to give you when you arrive.
A person whom a venomous snake has bitten may go into shock. If this happens, lay them flat and cover them with a blanket.

Scorpions in Washington State – Krebs Creek

Wild Cats in Washington State – Krebs Creek

Conclusion

The only species of venomous snakes in Washington State is the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake. Knowing about these snakes and their behavior is vital for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors in Washington. By learning to identify these snakes, recognizing their habitats, and knowing how to respond in their presence, you can coexist more safely with these fascinating creatures.

Rattlesnakes play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling rodent populations. While their venomous nature warrants caution, they are not inherently aggressive and only strike when threatened. Following precautions like wearing appropriate clothing, staying alert in snake-prone areas, and avoiding unnecessary interactions can significantly reduce the risk of encounters and bites.

Should you or someone else experience a venomous snakebite, remain calm, follow the first aid recommendations described above, and seek immediate medical attention. This is key to minimizing the effects of the venom. Remember, respecting these reptiles and their role in nature increases your safety and contributes to preserving Washington’s diverse wildlife.

By staying informed and prepared, you can fully enjoy the beauty of Washington’s landscapes while appreciating the unique role of the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake.