Don't panic! Not all bites result in venom being injected. One quarter of all rattlesnake bites are "dry" bites.
Stay calm and reduce movement.
Clean the wound - wash with soap and water
Remove jewelry on the affected limb.
Call emergency services (911) and get to a hospital as quickly and safely as possible.
DO NOT apply ice or a tourniquet.
DO NOT cut or apply suction to the bite area.

Do not pick up snakes or other wild animals. This is the most common cause of snakebites.
Do not harass, chase or threaten a snake, the second most common cause of snakebites. It is illegal due to the snakes protected status.
Stay on the beaten path when walking in rattlesnake habitat and use a flashlight at night.
Always wear ankle-height, close-toed boots or shoes when hiking. The Massasauga has relatively small fangs that are not likely to penetrate leather-hiking boots or loose clothing.
Always watch where you put your hands and feet. Do not reach into areas where you cannot see.
If you hear a rattlesnake, stop moving and determine the snakes location. Slowly step away and give the snake room to move away.
Protect your pets - keep dogs on a leash when walking though rattlesnake habitat.

The federal Species at Risk Act, and the provincial Endangered Species Act have designated the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake as a Threatened species. This designation legally protects the Massasauga from being harassed, captured, killed, bought, or sold. A violation of either Act can result in a maximum fine of $250,000 and/or

imprisonment for up to one year. A violation for commercial purposes increases the penalty to a maximum fine
of $1,000,000.

Please see the documents attached below.

Attachments:

Rattlesnake ANTIVIPMYN Guidelines Updated March 2022