It's rattlesnake season in Colorado: What to do if you or your pet are bitten

Miles Blumhardt, Fort Collins Coloradoan
·4 min read
2

Fort Collins-area hikers and mountain bikers have recently reported seeing rattlesnakes on our trails.

That means it's time for a rattlesnake refresher on how to identify them, what to do if you see one and what to do (and not do) if you or your pet are bitten.

Here a few things to remember from various wildlife and medical sources:

  • The prairie rattlesnake is the only common venomous snake in the Fort Collins area.

  • The only other venomous snakes in Colorado are the western massasauga rattlesnake, which is mostly found in the southeastern corner of the state, and the midget faded rattlesnake, which is found mainly in far western Colorado.

  • Often, rattlesnakes (venomous) and bull snakes (nonvenomous) are mistaken for each other. In either case, if you see one, leave it be.

  • Prairie rattlesnakes and bull snakes can be found virtually anywhere in Colorado below about 9,000 feet.

Rattlesnakes and bull snakes look similar. Here are key identification differences.

  • Rattlesnakes are usually darker in color than bull snakes, which usually are a lighter pale yellow. The patterns are similar.

  • They can be similar in length, but usually bull snakes are longer and thinner than rattlesnakes.

  • Rattlesnakes have a rattle on a blunt tail. Bull snakes don't have rattles and have a pointed tail.

  • Rattlesnakes might make a rattle sound when threatened. Bull snakes also can make a rattle-like sound but it's from hissing or wiggling their tail against dry leaves when threatened.

  • Rattlesnakes have a triangular head that is wider than their body. Bull snakes have narrow heads in line with their body, though they can widen their head when threatened.

  • Rattlesnakes usually raise their tail when threatened. Bull snakes usually keep their tail low to the ground.

  • Rattlesnakes have eyes that are more forward facing and slit pupils. Bull snakes have eyes on the sides of their heads with circular pupils.

Rattlesnakes, like the one in this file photo, are starting to emerge on Larimer County trails after winter dormancy.
Rattlesnakes, like the one in this file photo, are starting to emerge on Larimer County trails after winter dormancy.
In this file photo, Sara Newman, a certified veterinary technician and board member for Northern Colorado Wildlife Center, handles a 6-foot bull snake that is being rehabilitated. A bull snake looks similar to a rattlesnake. But unlike the bite of a rattlesnake, a bull snake's bite is not venomous.
In this file photo, Sara Newman, a certified veterinary technician and board member for Northern Colorado Wildlife Center, handles a 6-foot bull snake that is being rehabilitated. A bull snake looks similar to a rattlesnake. But unlike the bite of a rattlesnake, a bull snake's bite is not venomous.

Tips on how to avoid rattlesnake encounters for you and your pet

  • Wear sturdy, high-top leather boots to protect the ankle area, where most bites occur.

  • Stay on trails and watch where you place feet and hands, especially around logs and rocks and tall grass.

  • Do not recreate with headphones or earbuds as a rattlesnake usually warns if you are too close by making a rattle sound.

  • If you hear a rattle sound, freeze and try to locate the snake, which decreases chances of a strike. Once you assess the situation, find a safe escape.

  • Be especially aware of rattlesnakes around dusk, when snakes become active hunting.

  • Rattlesnakes can strike to a distance of up to half their body length. A good rule of thumb is to put at least 5 feet between yourself and the snake.

  • Do not try to catch, kill, provoke or move a rattlesnake.

  • Keep your dog on a 6-foot leash and avoid letting it walk in the grass along trails.

What are symptoms of a rattlesnake bite?

Symptoms of a venomous snakebite can include:

  • Puncture marks

  • Redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding or blistering around the bite

  • Severe pain and tenderness at the site of the bite

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Labored breathing

  • Rapid heart rate

  • Weak pulse

  • Low blood pressure

  • Disturbed vision.

What to do if you or a pet is bitten by a rattlesnake

  • Seek medical attention for you or pet as quickly as possible, any way possible.

  • If hiking alone and help will take hours to reach you, it is a better option to slowly hike to the nearest trailhead or where you have cell reception and call 911. Report your location, when you were bitten and a list of your symptoms.

  • If the snake is still in the vicinity, carefully move away to a safe location where you can calm down and assess the situation.

  • It is not necessary but can be helpful if you can correctly identify the snake. Never attempt to get close enough to provoke another strike or try to capture the snake.

  • Remove jewelry and tight clothing before you start to swell.

  • If possible, clean the wound with soap and water. Cover it with a clean, dry dressing but don't put any pressure on the wound site.

  • If you want to immobilize an arm with a sling or swath in a relatively neutral position relative to heart level, that is OK.

What not to do for a rattlesnake bite

  • Do not assume that a bite is not serious or that treatment can be delayed.

  • Do not try to suck out the venom with your mouth or a device.

  • Do not make any sort of incision into or around the bite marks.

  • Do not apply a narrow, constrictive tourniquet such as a belt, shoelace or cord.

  • Do not apply prolonged ice, cold or heat packs to the bite. You can apply an ice pack for a short period of time, around 5 minutes, but not much longer.

  • Do not allow the victim to take aspirin or use any medication.

  • Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink unless approved by a physician.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Here's how to tell the difference between a rattlesnake and bull snake