What do you do if you get bit by a rattlesnake in Arizona? Here’s what to know

• Although rattlesnakes are present in Arizona, they generally avoid humans. But 182 rattlesnake bites were reported statewide in 2024.
• Most bites occur at residences. Recommended treatment includes removing tight items, immobilizing and elevating the bite area, and seeking immediate medical attention.
• Avoid tourniquets or attempting to suck out venom, and refrain from eating or drinking much water if bitten.
• Rattlesnake bite fatalities are uncommon, with no reported deaths in Arizona in 2024.

A Florence toddler’s unfortunate encounter with a rattlesnake is a stark reminder that the rapidly warming Arizona weather signals rattlesnake season.

Cara Reed has been in and out of the hospital as doctors work to remove damaged tissue from her left foot, where the snake bit her twice on May 16.

Cara was playing in the carport at the family’s home on the outskirts of Florence when a snake slithered out from some propane tanks and struck the top of her foot.

The long-term prognosis for her foot is still unclear at this early stage, but dead skin and damaged tissue is being removed.

As the 15-month-old deals with surgery and its aftereffects, medical and wildlife officials offer tips on how to deal with these desert dwellers.

Here’s what to know.

How likely is it to encounter a rattlesnake in Arizona?

The rattlesnakes are out there, but they really don’t want to tangle with humans.

“For the most part, they want nothing to do with us,” said Tom Jones, the amphibians and reptiles program manager for the Arizona Game & Fish Department. “If you are an avid hiker, most likely you have walked right by one and not noticed it.”

But if you hear a rattle, Jones said, take care. Don’t confront the snake, just give it a wide berth and walk around it.

How common are rattlesnake bites?

The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center reported 182 bites in the state in 2024, a 4% increase from the previous year.

The vast majority of bites happened in Pima County, which reported 107 incidents. Cochise County was next with 20 and 12 in Mohave County. There were no reports from Maricopa County, despite being the most populous in the state.

Although often associated with wildlands, the center reported most of the bites occurred at a residence.

What is the protocol for treating a rattlesnake bite?

Dr. Frank LoVecchio, a medical toxicologist at Valleywise Health, offered these key steps:

Remove any close-fitting items, such as clothing, jewelry and watches. The bite area will swell almost immediately, LoVecchio said, as the digestive enzymes in the snake’s venom start to try and digest blood, tissue and muscles.

“Your forearm might get as big as your thigh,” he said.

Immobilize the bite area. “The more you move it, the more it hurts,” LoVecchio said.

He also recommends elevating the affected limb or body part, a practice that the poison center also emphasizes. That prevents the venom from pooling in one part of the body, where the enzymes can do damage.

Head for a hospital immediately, and call ahead to ensure the facility has antivenom on hand. Calling the poison center at 1-800-221-1222 is also helpful for expert guidance.

Are there things I shouldn’t do?

LoVecchio has a no-go list.

“We don’t do anything crazy; we don’t suck out the venom, we don’t do a tourniquet,” he said.

He also advises that bite victims should refrain from drinking much water or eating anything, in case their treatment leads to surgery.

How fatal are rattlesnake bites?

They’re not common, LoVecchio said.

The poison center did not record any deaths due to rattlesnake bites in 2024. But it’s important to get to prompt medical treatment at a hospital, the center advises.

Reach the reporter at maryjo.pitzl@arizonarepublic.com or at 602-228-7566 and follow her on social media @maryjpitzl. 

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