Mojave Rattlesnake
We recently responded to a question about the rattlesnake population in the Black Hills. Part of the question asked if people could take steps to actually reduce that population.
As we explained, this perception of a snake population increase is mistaken, so there really isn’t an overpopulation issue.
Even if there were, it’s somewhat difficult to locate snake dens without quite a bit of foot-work. Even if you did locate it, your options are truly limited. There is no way to truly eradicate a population of snakes. There may even be several dozen den sites within a 4-5 mile search area, some of which you just won’t find.
Here in the Black Hills there are many places for snakes to den, the population in any one given den site is usually less than 100. Though in large den sites on the prairies, populations of several hundred are not uncommon. This is due to lower numbers of suitable denning sites being available.
Snake Eradication
There was a government eradication program for rattlesnakes in the early 1900’s through the 1970’s, and one place they hit hard was up on the South Dakota/North Dakota border. For over 10 years the government tried every method imaginable to eradicate this particular den site: pit fall traps, gasoline, guns, bounties…I can only imagine how many thousands of snakes were destroyed in that time frame.
I travel to that den site every fall just for fun, and to this day, I can go there and remove dozens and dozens of rattlesnakes in a matter of hours. Short of a bunker buster bomb courtesy of Ellsworth Air Force Base, it is just not likely that any great reduction of the numbers of rattlesnakes in a given den site is likely to occur.
However, if you want to decrease snake activity on and around your property, there are some steps you can take.
Keeping Snakes Away
There’s nothing we can really do to actually repel snakes, but there are certain things you can do to at least make your property less hospitable for them.
I had a rattlesnake in my yard last year, first one in 7 years living there. I have small children, a dog, and cat, so obviously I don’t want them in my yard either. I simply caught it and moved it away from the house. My kids are also hyper-aware of snakes, just because of who dad is. Knowing that snakes are generally nomadic and only stay in an area as long as the food, water, shelter and mates are available, I took a look at my property and figured out why that particular snake was there and fixed it.
Here are some things you can do:
- Keep the grass cut low
- Remove rock piles, woodpiles, trash piles and other rubbish
- Keep shrubbery trimmed up from the ground
- Fill in foundation cracks
- Rid the yard of rodent and insect populations
- Always watch where we sit, stand, walk and place our hands
But, even when all precautions are taken we need, keep in mind that snakes are native to this area. Although (to me at least), having a few rattlesnakes, bees and mountain lions is a much better proposition than the smog, traffic and crime of the big cities
Hello – my wife and I recently (Jan. 2010) moved to Pierre. As winter is now leaving us and spring is soon to be, we’re beginning to consider our “new digs.”
Our only major concern is the existence of rattlesnakes. I have read some of your articles, and appreciate the “common sense” information. With that said, we have two small dogs (~9-10 pounds each). In Iowa (from where we moved), poisonous snakes and other predators were not an issue. We’re planning on fencing our back yard so the dogs can roam in a contained area.
How wise is it to permit the dogs to “free range” in the fenced back yard. Will they serve as “rattler magnets?”
Also, the veterinarian with whom we recently connect is recommending a series of injections for our dogs. Seemingly, the injections will “protect” the dogs from rattlesnake bites. I guess it is understandable the vet wants us to “do” the shots – total per dog would be around $800. Seems pretty nuts to me.
We’ll follow your good tips, and do our best to self-protect. Any input, other than what’s posted, will be appreciated.
Thanks.
Any input will be
I think it is in all likelihood safe to allow your dogs free roam in your fenced yard. And by all means take some of those tips about rattlesnake-proofing your property in our blog post. Too, take a good look at your property and the surrounding area from a snake’s point of view, specifically looking at identifying any potential food, shelter or watering areas and eliminating them.
As for the vaccination series for your dogs to protect them from snakebite – The current information shows that the vaccinations do no harm but have yet to be proven to do much good. So, it might help but is more of an $800 peace of mind action. Even with the vaccination you will have to take the dog to the veterinarian in the event of a snakebite. They will still need to do blood panels, supportive therapy (ie fluids, pain management etc) and quite possibly antivenom therapy.
So, I think I can answer your question best by saying that my dogs live in a fenced yard where I have found a rattlesnake, which means rattlers live in the area but I have only found the one. I have not had them vaccinated and have no plans to so at this time. I am not yet sold on the benefit.
Additionally, they don’t identify what it means when they say “recently vaccinated” We can assume that the antibodies would require a booster shot far more frequently than the recommended dosages to prevent any real protection. It makes me thing they would likely require frequent boosters.
The following is taken from the manufacturer’s website.
“The vaccine stimulates your dog’s own immunity. This process makes vaccination safer than antivenom treatment. Protective antibodies made by your dog in response to the vaccine start neutralizing venom immediately. On average, antibody levels in recently vaccinated dogs are comparable to treatment with three vials of antivenom. This means vaccinated dogs should experience less pain and a reduced risk of permanent injury from rattlesnake bite.
Snakebite is always an emergency. Even after your dog is vaccinated against rattlesnake venom, she should be taken to a veterinarian for evaluation and care as soon as possible following snakebite. Even bites by non-venomous snakes can lead to serious infections and antibiotic treatment may be needed. A veterinarian can determine if your dog is sufficiently protected for the specific type of snake involved and the amount of venom injected, or whether additional medical treatment would be helpful.”
Thanks for asking, I am sure others have the same questions. I hope this helps.
Terry