As well as these pages.... please take a look at the following link for some interesting studies that have been done on toxicity and venom levels related to various rattlesnakes and sizes....
Rattlesnakes are the only dangerously venomous snakes in California. We have no Coral Snakes, Copperheads or Water Moccasins, which are the only other dangerous snakes in the United States.
A DEAD rattlesnake should be avoided. Many people have been bitten by the reflex action of dead snakes, even badly mangled ones. Rattlesnakes killed in inhabited areas should have the head cut off and buried; otherwise, rattlers should not be killed at all.
You cannot tell a rattler's age by counting the rattles. A new segment is gained each time the snake sheds its skin, which may be two to five times a year. Additionally, the longer rattles of older snakes frequently break off.
Baby rattlesnakes are not more “deadly” than adults. However, they are venomous and capable of biting from the moment of birth.
The venom is in the head; the rattles are harmless.
The rattlesnake does not always rattle before striking.
A rattler does not need to coil to strike, but can strike from any position. They cannot “jump”.
A rattler will not “attack” you. It is more afraid of you than you are of it. If it has an escape route, it will take it. You can move much faster than the fastest rattler.