{"id":1813,"date":"2026-05-13T22:32:24","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T22:32:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/13\/shedding-myths-about-rattlesnakes-rattlesnakes-are-not-the-jason-bournes-of-the-desert\/"},"modified":"2026-05-13T22:32:24","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T22:32:24","slug":"shedding-myths-about-rattlesnakes-rattlesnakes-are-not-the-jason-bournes-of-the-desert","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/13\/shedding-myths-about-rattlesnakes-rattlesnakes-are-not-the-jason-bournes-of-the-desert\/","title":{"rendered":"Shedding myths about rattlesnakes. \u2018Rattlesnakes are not the Jason Bournes of the desert\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Warm spring weather is bringing rattlesnakes and people closer together, and not necessarily in a good way.<\/p>\n

Read more This artisan bakery makes whole-grain bread and pastries at the end of the world<\/a><\/p>\n

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There\u2019s a lot of advice out there about staying safe around rattlesnakes, but not all of it is accurate.<\/p>\n

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Some advice might be outdated, while other advice stems from common misunderstandings.<\/p>\n

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And a few are only true in the movies.<\/p>\n

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Here\u2019s what to know about rattlesnake myths:<\/p>\n

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Myth: Baby rattlesnake venom is more potent<\/h2>\n

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A Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center found that baby rattlesnake bites are actually less dangerous than adults.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThis is an easily defanged myth that has generated dread, panic, and real-life consequences,\u201d said William Hayes, professor of biology at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and the study\u2019s lead researcher. \u201cAmple evidence demonstrates that baby rattlers, like adults, can control their venom expulsion.\u201d<\/p>\n

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In fact, the larger the rattlesnake, the more venom it delivers with its bite, California Fish and Wildlife said.<\/p>\n

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But bites from baby rattlesnakes are still dangerous and require immediate medical treatment.<\/p>\n

Read more Sacramento officer bitten by West Sacramento police K-9 during pursuit of suspect<\/a><\/p>\n

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Myth: Rattlesnakes always rattle before striking<\/h2>\n

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Don\u2019t count on a warning rattle, experts said.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIf they feel threatened, they may coil, strike, retreat or do nothing at all,\u201d the Desert Museum said. \u201cEach snake is a unique individual and responds accordingly.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Myth: You can suck the venom out of a snakebite<\/h2>\n

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This isn\u2019t a Western, and you\u2019re not John Wayne.<\/p>\n

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\u201cDoing this will only introduce infection and cause more damage,\u201d Johns Hopkins Medicine warns.<\/p>\n

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Instead, wash the bite with soap and water, keep the extremity that was bitten lower than the heart, cover the bite with a cool compress to reduce swelling, and call 911 or go to the closest emergency room.<\/p>\n

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Myth: Cut a snakebite crosswise<\/h2>\n

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Don\u2019t cut the snakebite, either, the Mayo Clinic warned.<\/p>\n

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Along with the risk of infection, cutting the snakebite causes pain, which will increase the patient\u2019s heart rate \u2014 the exact opposite of what you want to do, experts said.<\/p>\n

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Myth: Rattlesnakes are aggressive and will chase you<\/h2>\n

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\u201cRattlesnakes are not the Jason Bournes of the desert,\u201d the New Mexico Travel Guy blog advised. \u201cThey don\u2019t chase people\u2014they see us as threats and want nothing to do with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

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If a rattlesnake is coming toward you, it\u2019s probably looking for the fastest escape route.<\/p>\n

Read more Gov. Gavin Newsom to California agencies: Get ready for a four-day return to office<\/a><\/p>\n

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