"Rattlesnakes two hours apart pack totally different venoms" (from National Geo.)

With 2 current threads about rattlesnakes, here's an article I found very interesting, about how variable the venom can be for the SAME species of rattlesnake,
found in nature just 2 hours apart in differing habitats...and some speculation as to the reason they have evolved this way.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/s...ferent-venoms/

BTW, I'm a former resident of Southern California who has been to these places, but fortunately with no bites.

Hikers beware. Very interesting stuff here.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by fadingdaylight

Hikers beware. Very interesting stuff here.

---

For sure! It makes it very challenging for doctors treating a bite...even if you know what bit you, it might not matter. Fortunately they do get plenty of practice
at Loma Linda (CA), & immediate symptoms should narrow it down.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bogertophis

For sure! It makes it very challenging for doctors treating a bite...even if you know what bit you, it might not matter. Fortunately they do get plenty of practice
at Loma Linda (CA), & immediate symptoms should narrow it down.

---

True, one person can't move and the other won't stop bleeding, but this is the kind of info that the average outdoorsman need to be aware of. If I were going out there, I would want to be well aware of which variety was going to be in my vicinity.


And the other one, 10x more likely to die, just one county over, that is terrifying. People need to be aware of this kind of thing, thank you for posting it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by fadingdaylight

True, one person can't move and the other won't stop bleeding, but this is the kind of info that the average outdoorsman need to be aware of. If I were going out there, I would want to be well aware of which variety was going to be in my vicinity.


And the other one, 10x more likely to die, just one county over, that is terrifying. People need to be aware of this kind of thing, thank you for posting it.

---

I've known for many years that the venom varies in different populations of any given species of rattlesnakes, but I DIDN'T know the difference could be THIS profound. :O
I'd imagine other areas with large differences in terrain (like New Mexico, for example) might also see this...but now I wonder about all the other areas too...maybe it's
about more than just the landscape/elevation/etc. It's so amazing what natural selection can do. And I just want to add that even though their venom is dangerous, I've
known many rattlesnakes & adore them. Many things in our world are dangerous...it's not paying attention that gets us in trouble. Please don't blame or hate rattlesnakes
for having the means to capture & kill their food...it's not us they want.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I've known for many years that the venom varies in different populations of any given species of rattlesnakes, but I DIDN'T know the difference could be THIS profound. :O
I'd imagine other areas with large differences in terrain (like New Mexico, for example) might also see this...but now I wonder about all the other areas too...maybe it's
about more than just the landscape/elevation/etc. It's so amazing what natural selection can do. And I just want to add that even though their venom is dangerous, I've
known many rattlesnakes & adore them. Many things in our world are dangerous...it's not paying attention that gets us in trouble. Please don't blame or hate rattlesnakes
for having the means to capture & kill their food...it's not us they want.

---

I agree, I think the answer lies in education. If people were aware of this kind of info, and knew how to identify these snakes properly, they would be better equipped to avoid being bitten, hopefully protecting both the people and the snakes in the long run.