Rattlesnakes are emerging in Colorado. Here's how to stay safe

Yahoo

05-05-2025

While Colorado's nonvenomous snakes may swiftly slither away from a perceived threat, the venomous rattlesnake often stands its ground, coils and rattles when sensing danger.
Kara Van Hoose, Northeast Region public information officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), told the Chieftain in an email that most rattlesnake activity happens in the spring and summer months. During the winter, they snooze to conserve energy.
Colorado is home to three variations of venomous snakes and they are all rattlesnake species, Van Hoose said. Prairie rattlesnakes may be encountered in areas of the Centennial State below 9,000 feet elevation, including in Pueblo County. Midget faded rattlesnakes are more common in western Colorado counties, while Massasauga rattlesnakes inhabit eastern counties.
Each of these variations has a few characteristics in common — a rattle at the end of their tails, triangular heads with vertical pupils, thick bodies, and a venomous bite, according to Uncover Colorado.
To protect yourself from rattlers, it helps to know their biology and behaviors, according to the CPW website.
Rattlesnakes may shelter themselves under rocks, hide near logs, or rest in holes. For this reason, hikers should avoid stepping over such areas. Additionally, hikers should always wear long pants and durable footwear.
Hikers also should stay aware of their surroundings and never wear headphones. Activity during times when human visibility drops — like the evening and early morning — should be limited.
"You will most likely hear a rattlesnake before you spot them," Van Hoose told the Chieftain. "Rattlesnakes have very effective natural camouflage. Keep an ear out while hiking or recreating outdoors for their rattle."
If an individual hears a rattlesnake, CPW advises them to freeze in place until they are able to locate it. Freezing also may reduce the threat posed to snakes within an individual's line of sight. Individuals should stay at least a 5-foot distance away from the snake.
"Give them a very wide berth as they can attack from a few feet away," Van Hoose said. "Do not try to move a snake on your own."
Those in Pueblo County who find a rattler in their home or garage should call their local CPW office at 719-561-5300. Some pest control companies are also able to remove rattlesnakes, according to CPW.
While hiking with their pets, individuals should keep pets on a short leash and ensure they do not wander off trail, according to Van Hoose.
"If dogs wander into grassy or dry areas, they may surprise a rattlesnake," she said.
The CPW website advises that those living in rattlesnake-dense areas should remove rock piles, grassy areas and other environments that may attract a snake or its prey before letting their pet roam in their yards.
There's also snake avoidance training offered at many Colorado dog training facilities. Through these training courses, dogs may learn to avoid the scent, sound, and sight of snakes.
If a pet is bitten by a rattlesnake, its owner should seek immediate veterinary care.
If bitten by a rattlesnake, individuals should seek instructions from the Colorado Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 and visit the nearest hospital. Individuals also should remove all jewelry and tight-fitting clothing, be calm and avoid moving excessively, according to CPW.
Individuals should never attempt to extract venom, use ice, use heat, use a tourniquet, or attempt to capture the rattlesnake.
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Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at [e-mail]. Support local news, subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: What to do if you or your pet is bitten by a Colorado rattlesnake