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Prairie Rattler
(Size: 5 feet or more)
Tsss... Tsss... Tsss... Tsssssss...
Ah yes, the rattlesnake. A western just wouldn't be a western without hearing that familiar rattle at least once throughout the movie.
Found throughout most of North America, the prairie rattler can also be found in Canada, from southwestern Saskatchewan to southern Alberta to the Okanagan Valley in B.C. (plus the Massasauga rattlesnake in southern Ontario; I've also heard of someone finding a rattlesnake as far up north as Sudbury). But don't be fooled by those fearsome fangs: following the reputation that Canadians have of being polite people, the rattler will rattle it's tail in advance to let you know it's there. In fact, the rattling you hear is made by the shaking of many segments at the end of the tail, made from the very same material as your nails are.
These snakes seldom bite, for they prefer keeping their venom handy to catch food. They would rather slither away and hide. The rattler usually lives in the Prairies and the badlands, in burrows or in the shade someplace.
You should always seek help immediately after a snake bite. You should also back away from the snake quickly, for some people have been bitten multiple times because they failed to give the snake enough of the space it wants. Keep the bite below the heart if possible. Try to keep warm and calm. To help with the pain, you can use a compression bandage applied very lightly.
DO NOT TIE A TOURNIQUET OR ATTEMPT TO SUCK OUT THE VENOM WITH YOUR MOUTH!!!
Sucking the venom will only cross the venom over to the saliva and rendering things worst for yourself or the person doing this procedure to the victim. Some of the symptoms are: swelling at the bite location, dizziness, nausea, numbness, difficulty in breathing, unconsciousness, and/or convulsions. If you're lucky, you'll have had a "dry" bite, which is when the snake bit you, but did not release any venom. As with any dangerous creatures, the best defence is to try to avoid the rattler all together.