[The rattlesnake is not more dangerous than the viper].

The article consists of a comparison of the effects of snakebites inflicted by North American rattlesnakes and those of European vipers, based on a review of series of snake bite victims reported in the literature since 1980. The two groups of snakebites were found to manifest close similarity, even regarding the currently low fatality rates. Whereas local reactions seem to be more extensive after rattlesnake bites, circulatory symptoms including severe hypotension appear to be more common after viper bites. It is concluded that the two groups of snakes may be regarded as equally dangerous.