LOGAN — It’s rattlesnake season and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources wants to warn the public about possible run-ins with the poisonous reptile.
Cache Valley has seen their share of rattlesnakes the past few years.
As rattlesnakes begin to emerge from their winter dens because of warmer weather, people may encounter one or more while hiking or spending time outdoors. DWR offers tips to help people stay safe and aware while recreating outside this time of year.
If bitten do not try to kill the snake it greatly increases the chance the snake will bite.
Rattlesnakes in Utah
Native snakes are an important part of Utah’s ecosystem. Although there are five rattlesnake species in Utah, the Great Basin rattlesnake is the most common in Cache Valley and surrounding areas.
Venomous rattlesnakes are most active during the late spring and early summer months looking for food, water and mates. Although their activity levels peak at dawn and dusk, rattlesnakes can be encountered at all hours, especially in the spring.
The most common places to encounter rattlers are on rocky benches, high-elevation slopes and dry canyons. People may be surprised to see them while out hiking, rock climbing or biking.
Rattlesnakes can also be found at lower elevations and in open areas. They may move around a large area (known as their “home range”) and will usually move on from a specific location within a short period of time.
A rattlesnake’s camouflage helps it to blend into its surroundings, so you may pass by a rattlesnake and never know it.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Native Herpetology Coordinator Alyssa Hoekstra said Utahn’s should be aware of their surroundings.
“It is important to become more knowledgeable about the rattlesnakes that you may encounter around your residence or during outdoor recreational activities,” she said. “Being aware of species you may encounter is a great way to be proactive in avoiding any unwanted interactions with rattlesnakes and prepares you to respond in a safe manner.”
What to do if you encounter a rattlesnake
Rattlesnakes are protected under Utah law, making it illegal to harass or kill one. Rattlesnakes use their venom to subdue prey so they can eat it, and a snake will only bite defensively if it feels threatened.
Rattlesnakes have not been known to chase people and will stop aggressive or defensive behavior once you are far enough away. Snake bites are quite rare, however harassing or trying to kill snakes increases the risk of being bitten. Never corner a rattlesnake or get close enough for a bite to occur.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources want people to know sometimes rattle snakes are hard to see.
When hiking, make sure to always watch the trail ahead of you and check carefully before stepping over rocks, reaching onto ledges or sitting down on a rock or log and avoid reaching into dense brush or crevices before checking to make sure the area is clear.
“Like most wild animals, rattlesnakes fear humans and will do anything they can to avoid us,” Hoekstra said. “If a snake is feeling threatened, it may act in defense. The best course of action is to maintain a safe distance from rattlesnakes and other native snake species.”
If you do encounter a rattlesnake, the following tips can help you — and others — stay safe:
- Remain calm and stay at least 10 feet from the snake. Make sure to give it plenty of space. If the snake is in the middle of the trail, step off the trail and go around it.
- Do not try to kill the snake. Doing so is illegal and greatly increases the chance that the snake will bite you.
- Do not throw anything at the snake (rocks, sticks, etc.). Rattlesnakes may move toward you as they attempt to flee.
- Alert other people to the snake’s location. Advise them to use caution and to avoid getting close to the snake. Keep children and pets away.
- If you hear a rattle, try to locate where the sound is coming from before you react, so you don’t step closer to the snake or on top of it.
There is no need to kill a rattlesnake for fear of its return to an area. If you do repeatedly see a rattlesnake in a problematic area or if you encounter a rattlesnake in a public park, yard or play area, you can contact the nearest DWR office to report it.
Helping prevent rattlesnake encounters with dogs
Keeping your dog on a leash is highly recommended this time of year especially when hiking during the late spring and early summer months. Roaming dogs without a leash increases the likelihood of a rattlesnake encounter. Dog owners can also do rattlesnake aversion training, which can help them learn to avoid rattlesnakes.
Not all emergency veterinary hospitals keep antivenom at their facilities.
If someone with you is bitten by a rattlesnake
Rattlesnake bites are a serious medical emergency and require getting medical attention as soon as possible. Rattlesnake bites in the U.S. are seldom deadly, especially when the appropriate medical care is received.
If bitten by a rattlesnake:
- Do not attempt to suck the venom from the wound — this can introduce bacteria from your mouth to the bite and can increase the risk of infection.
- Do not apply heat, cold or a tourniquet to the bite; these steps may increase the risk of tissue damage.
- The best course of action is to remain calm and immediately go to the nearest hospital.
If you regularly recreate in areas outside of cell phone service, you may want to consider investing in a satellite phone for emergencies.
If you see a rattlesnake, give it plenty of space. And don’t harass it.
If you see a rattlesnake, give it plenty of space. And don’t harass it.
Keeping rattlesnakes out of your yard
Depending on where you live, you may occasionally find a snake in your yard reduce the number of places that provide snakes with shelter. Brush, wood, rock and junk piles are all things you should eliminate from your yard.
For additional rattlesnake safety tips go to the Wild Aware Utah website or listen to the DWR Wild podcast for more information about rattlesnakes in Utah.