A woman is currently recovering after being bitten by a red diamond rattlesnake outside her mother’s home in Wildomar earlier this week.
Denise Silva, the victim’s mother, told KTLA that her daughter, Tonya, is experiencing significant swelling and pain after the snake bit her toe. The incident occurred as Tonya was approaching the home on Tuesday.
Immediately after the snake bite, Tonya’s toe began to swell, prompting her to seek medical attention. “We didn’t know if it was a rattlesnake, or if it was not venomous,” Silva stated.
Ryan Jessup of Ryan’s Rattlesnake Rescue was called to the scene to handle the snake. Jessup hypothesized that the snake, normally docile, might have been in a defensive mode due to a possible injury. Jessup also warned against trying to handle snakes without professional assistance.
Contrary to what Tonya’s family did, experts advise against using a makeshift tourniquet in the event of a snakebite. This practice can trap venom in one location, potentially causing severe tissue or nerve damage, or even loss of limbs.
Tim Daly of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife emphasized seeking immediate medical attention following a snakebite and removing any rings or watches from the affected area promptly.