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Stanley Zadnik, Jr., age 10, of Cleveland, Ohio; for his question:

Are rattlers more poisonous than scorpions and black widow spiders?

Planning to avoid poisonous animals in the wild is a splendid indoor activity. Comparing the quality of their poisons makes it more interesting. But the list of contestants is a long one. What's more, scientists have problems rating which poisonous bite is likely to be most dangerous. However, the bites of scorpions and black widow spiders are not fatal to. healthy persons    though they should be given medical attention. On the other hand, rattlesnake venom is deadly and unless the bite gets speedy treatment, the victim can die.

Most spiders, when captured, tend to nip the human hands that hold them. Some of them have mildly poisonous fangs. The black widow injects quite a painful poison. It is wise to ask a doctor to treat the wound. Otherwise, the victim scratches the itchy sting and the wound may become seriously infected. The painful bite is not fatal to healthy humans. A scorpion sting is much more painful and medical assistance is advised to squeeze out the venom and treat the wound.

The gila monster lizard and the scrappy little shrew can also inflict poisonous bites. So can certain jellyfishes, sting rays and sea urchins; sea anemones and starfishes. The venomous stonefish may deal a deadly dose of poison to a person who chances to step on him.

Generally, the most dangerous poisons are the world's 300 or so species of venomous snakes. It is not easy to rate the quality of their venom because these subtle chemicals are tailor made for certain victims. For example, a pigeon is likely to perish from a small bite of the South American rattler. The same amount of venom from the same snake is less likely to prove fatal to a rabbit. The bite of the bushmaster is more likely to kill the rabbit.

Our native poisonous snakes are the pretty coral snake that lurks in southern swamps and the pit vipers, including 13 rattlesnake species. Our rattlers are rated among the world's most dangerous poisonous snakes. The diamond backs of the east and the west claim most victims, perhaps because they inject the world's largest doses of venom. Some experts rate the prairie rattler next, then the timber rattler and the water moccasin. The outcome, of course, depends somewhat on the amount of venom injected in the bite, and on the size and health of the victim. But every snakebite requires immediate medical attention    even one that seems non poisonous, just in case.

Coping with venomous snakes begins with a good book. Every sensible person learns a list of those that live in his state and how to recognize them. This includes their appearance, habits and sizes. When you spot one of them, flee from the scene. Coping with them must be left to adults. Sad to say, many charming and innocent snakes are slain because people can't tell them from the killers.

 

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