How Poisonous Is a Sidewinder Snake?

Sidewinders are venemous rattlesnakes.

The desert sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes) is a venomous pit viper native to the deserts of southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Like all rattlesnakes, sidewinders have a potent hemotoxic venom that can be fatal to humans if a bite does not receive immediate medical attention.

Identification

Sidewinders are small rattlesnakes that have an average body length of 30 inches; females are commonly larger than males. Sidewinders have a sandy brown coloration with a dark back divided by light color bands. Sidewinders have horn-like scales above each eye, which is why they are also commonly called horned rattlesnakes.

Toxicity

Sidewinders posses a venom that is less toxic than other desert rattlesnakes. In addition, due to their small size, sidewinders only inject a small amount of venom into their prey. According to the University of Michigan, sidewinders are only life-threatening to animals below 30 pounds.

Considerations

Although sidewinders may not pose a lethal threat to humans, they are dangerous. Sidewinders are one of the fastest rattlesnakes, and a bite can cause permanent damage and serious pain. The best way to deal with a sidewinder in the wild is to leave it alone.

References

• University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Crotalus Cerastes
• Pima Community College: Sidewinder
• Digital Desert: Wildlife: Sidewinder