6-Year-Old Dies After Rattlesnake Bite In Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — A 6-year-old boy has died after he was bitten by a rattlesnake in Colorado Springs.

Family friends told KKTV the boy was bitten July 5 in Bluestem Prairie Open Space in Security-Widefield. He reportedly died Monday. His name wasn't published, per the family's wishes.

A GoFundMe account has been created to raise money for the family. As of Tuesday, the account raised more than $8,000.

Every year, about 8,000-10,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes. About 10-15 people die from a snake bite.

The United States is home to 19 species of venomous snakes, 15 of which are rattlesnakes. Rattlesnakes belong to the family of pit vipers, and are thought to be some of the most highly developed snakes in the world, according to Colorado State Parks officials.

Colorado is home to three different species of rattlesnake – the prairie rattlesnake, massasauga and midget faded rattlesnake. The prairie rattlesnake is found throughout Colorado in most terrains below 9,500 feet.

While they're not aggressive, they will defend themselves if threatened or provoked.

"Rattlesnakes are usually very gracious in terms of their defensive behavior," state park officials said.

Rattlesnakes have an "elaborate defensive strategy" and seek to avoid a venomous bite if possible.

"Unfortunately, and often because people choose to provoke a defensive snake or are unlucky enough to actually step on an animal, bites do occur," park officials said.

"Though usually not fatal for a healthy adult, a bite is nevertheless very painful."

Rattlesnake venom is hemotoxic. It destroys muscle and soft tissue around the bite. In humans, tissue damage can be extensive.

"In extreme cases, reconstructive surgery or even amputation of a finger or limb may be necessary depending on the location of the bite and the immediacy of treatment," park officials said.

People can protect themselves from venomous snakes by wearing sturdy leather boots, watching where they place their feet and hands and limiting activity at dusk. If you come across a snake, freeze in place — trying to move away from a snake you can't see could put you closer to it.

"Even if the snake is in plain view, freezing movement will reduce the threat you pose to the snake and help you calmly assess the situation," state park officials said.

After freezing, try to get a safe distance away. Rattlesnakes can strike at a distance up to half their body length away. Stay at least 5 feet from a rattlesnake.

And finally, leave the animal alone.

"NEVER, under any circumstances, should you try and catch, kill, or provoke a rattlesnake," park officials said. "Fully one-third of people who suffer snakebites were bitten as a result of trying to handle or kill the snake."