Grandpa -

I can't answer your specific question. I've been working with rattlesnakes in Idaho for over 40 years, and still catch, measure, and release a couple hundred of them every year. All rattlesnakes have more than 1 type of toxin in their venom. Of the two major classes of toxins, neurotoxins are prevalent in most elaphids while hemotoxins are more prevalent in viperids (rattlesnakes). There are exceptions, however. Also, every species of rattlesnake probably has 100 or more different toxins in their venom, potentially leading to a whole host of problems in a bite victim.

With all that said, I do remember hearing many years ago that in Idaho, the northern pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) has more potent venom than the prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis). In Idaho, the prairie rattlesnake is only found in Lemhi and Custer Counties, while the pacific rattlesnake is the species that is found in the rest of the state (so your Idaho Falls snakes are Crotalus oreganus). Too, I remember that young snakes have much more potent venom than adults, but, of course, the volume is reduced. Gets pretty complicated.

In my old age, I no longer have the reaction reflexes that I once had, so I no longer catch (by hand) the larger Idaho rattlers. They are simply too strong for me to handle and I worry about losing hold of the head. In thousands of hand-captures (I don't use a snake stick due to injury to the snake), I've only been bit once. That experience was not overly pleasant.

Jack

P.S. lots of people are scared to death of snakes whether they will admit it or not. if a black snake bites them they are in panic mode. or any other snake. many many non veneomous snakes will bite if you accidently put your hand on them or something. many many people can't tell a timber rattler from a garter snake. a venomous snake bite will leave two clear punctures in the skin. a bite from a black snake for example can cause some very minor bleeding but it will be from multiple holes.

Actually,potency varies widely among species and even between individuals within species.It can even vary day to day in one individual rattlesnake.