What might occur when *C. oreganus* delivers a defensive strike against a human?
Answer
A strike with no venom injection, known as a "dry bite."
Although the venom of *Crotalus oreganus* is potent, the context of the strike significantly influences the outcome, particularly when dealing with a large mammal like a human. Defensive strikes, often occurring when the snake is surprised or harassed, may not deliver a full dose of venom, or sometimes any venom at all. This situation is described as a 'dry bite,' which is a strike where the venom glands are not activated or sufficiently compressed to inject venom. Regardless of whether venom is delivered, any confirmed bite from this venomous species warrants immediate professional medical evaluation due to the inherent risk of severe local effects or systemic envenomation.
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