DWR Shares Rattlesnake Safety Tips

DWR Press Release

Rattlesnakes are one of a handful of wildlife species that often strike fear in the hearts of people. But they shouldn’t. Knowing a little about the animal, and practicing a few simple things—like keeping your distance and not harassing a snake—can go a long way to keeping you safe.

Krissy Wilson, native aquatic species coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources, says most rattlesnake bites happen when a person harasses or toys with a snake. Like most animals, she says rattlesnakes fear humans. “They’ll usually do everything they can to avoid us,” she says. “If a snake thinks it’s threatened, though, and there’s no escape, that can change. The snake might strike to protect itself.”

Respecting the snake, and giving it plenty of space, are the keys to avoiding problems. One thing you don’t want to do is approach a rattlesnake.

“I can’t overemphasize how important it is to give rattlesnakes space, to watch where you step, to watch where you place your hands when you sit down, and above all, to resist the urge to harass or kill a snake,” she says.

Wilson says rattlesnakes are fully protected by Utah law; it’s illegal to harass or kill one. “Rattlesnakes are a very important part of Utah’s ecosystem,” Wilson says. “They control pests. And they’re fascinating to watch. Just make sure you watch from a safe distance.”

You can get rattlesnake safe tips from Wild Aware Utah. The free tips are available at www.wildawareutah.org/utah-wildlife-information/snakes.

Southwest Partners also provides free rattlesnake safety information. A copy of the organization’s “Living with Venomous Reptiles” brochure is available at https://bit.ly/1Fd8THh.

Staying safe

Wilson says summer is the time of year when most rattlesnake encounters happen in Utah.

Six rattlesnake subspecies live in Utah. The most common is the Great Basin rattlesnake. The Great Basin ‘rattler’ is found across the state.

Rocky, talus slopes are the places in Utah where you’ll most likely encounter rattlesnakes. In fact, Wilson says there’s a good chance you’ve been close to a snake while hiking and never knew it. “A snake’s camouflage allows it to blend into its surroundings,” she says. “They’re tough to see.”

Hiking tips

If you encounter a rattlesnake while hiking, Wilson recommends the following:

Tip 1 – Remain calm. Do not panic.

Tip 2 – Stay at least five feet from the snake. Give the rattlesnake plenty of space.

Tip 3 – Do not try to kill the snake. Doing so is illegal and greatly increases the chance the snake bites you. Wilson says most venomous bites happen when untrained people try to kill or harass a snake. “Usually, the snake is simply moving through the area, sunning itself or looking for a place to hide,” she says. “If you leave the snake alone, it will leave you alone.”