How to avoid rattlesnakes in Colorado and what to do if you're bitten
As summer approaches and the outdoors beckon, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is cautioning people to avoid rattlesnakes and know how to respond to a potential rattlesnake encounter.
Rattlesnakes are Colorado's only venomous snake, said Joey Livingston, statewide communications director for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Rattlesnake bites are very rare, Livingston said, and fatalities from bites are rarer still.
"Hospitals have anti-venom available, so adults who get bitten usually recover just fine," he said. However, Livingston said a bigger concern would be if a dog or child was bitten, as their small size could amplify the effect of the venom.
"I would recommend keeping your pets on a leash — dogs can be pretty curious animals, they tend to go after snakes and ignore the defenses that the rattlesnakes have," he said.
What to do if you encounter a rattlesnake
Rattlesnakes generally rely on their natural camouflage to keep them safe. They are not very fast and therefore tend to stand their ground.
"They don't tend to slither away, because that puts them in a vulnerable position," Livingston said. "You might walk past one that doesn't even make a noise, their first instinct is they think they're camouflaged and you can't see them. If you do get too close, they shake that rattle."
If you hear the rattle, Livingston warns not to try to run away, as "you may be running towards the snake." Instead, he recommends you freeze in place, survey the area, and identify where the rattlesnake is.
Once the snake is identified, Livingston said, you should back away slowly.
"Usually, 5 or 6 feet of distance is enough to convince the snake you aren't a threat," he said.
"The biggest thing when hiking is to be aware of your surroundings, listen for that distinctive rattle just in case. So I don't recommend wearing headphones when you're out there just because it takes away that sense of hearing to warn you of snakes or other wildlife in the area."
If you bring your children on a hike, Livingston recommends educating them on not approaching or handling snakes, along with practicing the same safety tips adults should follow to avoid rattlesnakes.
While there are several training programs across the state that teach dogs snake aversion, the biggest safety precaution for dogs is simply to keep them on a leash, Livingston said.
What to do if you come across a rattlesnake on the trail
If you see a rattlesnake on a trail, it is one of the few times, Livingston said, where you should briefly exit the trail to go around the snake.
"They're cold-blooded animals, so they have to use the environment to warm themselves up," he said. "It's common, especially in the mornings, to see them warming themselves on a rock or a path warming themselves up for the day before they can do a bit of hunting.
"It's one of the few times I'll tell you it's OK to get off the trail. Never try to move or scare a snake off the trail, just go around to avoid it," he said.
What to do if you're bitten by a rattlesnake
According to the Colorado Poison Center, if bitten by a rattlesnake you should:
Call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for instructions, then go to the nearest hospital.
Remove any jewelry and tight fitting clothing.
Stay calm and avoid excess movement.
Do not cut and try to extract venom.
Do not use ice, heat, or tourniquet.
Do not try to capture or kill the snake.
More on rattlesnakes in Pueblo: 'A game of minutes': Pueblo West man shares harrowing story of near-fatal rattlesnake bite
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: How to avoid rattlesnakes in Colorado and what to do if you're bitten
