Rattlesnake in its natural habitat

Case Study: What to Do About Snakebites

The Setting

Editor’s Note: This case study was updated in 2024 to include more information about snakebites.

You are sampling some of the north facing overhanging limestone outside the famed Sinks Canyon climbing area in Wyoming. While walking along the base of the cliff, your partner drops a piece of gear and when they reach to retrieve it you hear a buzzing noise, a cry of surprise, then your partner falls backward and tumbles down the hill. 

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