September prime time for snake bites in Arizona — avoid getting bitten

As the weather begins to cool, humans and snakes will be sharing more mutual space than they have in recent summer months.

More interactions naturally lead to more bites. September is historically one of the busiest months for snakebites, according to figures from the Banner Poison and Drug Center.

In the first 15 days of this month, Banner Health treated 17 people for snake bites. One of them was 48-year-old Victor Pratt, of Coolidge, who survived a rattlesnake bite to the face while trying to show off to friends at a party.

Human behavior aside, there is a scientific reason for the increased activity.

Rattlesnakes breed in the late summer, making them most territorial to ensure their offspring are safe. And baby rattlesnakes are just as venomous as their parents but are harder to detect.

"People think they should catch it, kill it," said Bryan Hughes, owner of Rattlesnake Solutions LLC. "They are purely defensive animals. If you listen to it, you'll be fine. It's usually when people go and do something that something bad happens."

Hughes warned that a photo or impressing others isn't worth the risk. Rattlesnakes warn with an audible rattle when they are in defense mode.

Rattlesnakes are more likely to bite if they feel people are invading their area. Hughes advises people to just stay away. The worst thing that you can do is to pressure the venomous reptile, he said.

"Leave and get out of there," Hughes said. "Get out of its space. A good two steps in any direction puts you out of their area."

Hughes said most calls they receive come out of Scottsdale and Cave Creek. Anywhere within a quarter mile of a native desert is more likely to have a rattlesnake appearance.

The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center advise Arizona residents to also install outdoor lighting for yards, porches, sidewalks, and any other areas surrounding their homes. Rattlesnakes can go easily undetected in poorly lit areas, and this increases the chance for a bite.

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