Arizona reports 39 rattlesnake bites this year, 19 in April

PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department Headquarters is warning residents to be cautious of potential encounters with rattlesnakes as reported bites have reached 19 in April and 39 total in 2020.

Arizona rattlesnakes are at peak activity during March through October and spring is when they are most active during the day, according to a press release.

Rattlesnakes are said to resume mostly nocturnal activity in May.

“Arizona has more rattlesnake species than any other state,” said Thomas Jones, amphibians and reptiles program manager at AZGFD.

Arizona is home to 13 difference species of rattlesnake, but the Western diamondback, Mojave, black-tailed and sidewinder species are those most encountered by humans.

Earlier this month, the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary issued a snake safety alert after receiving 20 requests for snake removal within a four day period.

If bitten by a rattlesnake, AZGFD’s guidelines are to remain calm, call 911 immediately, remove any jewelry near the affected area, keep the area immobilized at a level below the heart and limit body activity as much as possible.

Those interested in additional information on rattlesnake bites can call the Arizona Poison Drug and Information Center at 1-800-222-1222.

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