The effects of the sting are said to feel much like those of a rattlesnake bite.

Still, any rattlesnake bite can be fatal and should be taken seriously and medical attention sought immediately.

When the rattlesnake bites, muscles on the sides of the venom glands contract, which squeezes the venom through the ducts and into the fangs.

A lack of edema or erythema in the area of the bite after eight hours indicates a lack of envenomation for most rattlesnake bites.