This is the time of year when many Coloradans are looking forward to getting back out on the hiking trails. It’s also the time of year when rattlesnakes are emerging from hibernation, increasing your chances of encountering rattlesnakes. In fact, news reports indicate that two hikers have already been bitten by rattlesnakes in Colorado this spring. (Both survived). If you are hiking with dogs, be especially careful because curious dogs will often explore beyond the trail and might rouse a snake from its nest.
Colorado is home to three kinds of rattlesnakes, the Prairie Rattlesnake, the Western Rattlesnake, and the Massasauga Rattlesnake. Check out the following resources to learn more about Colorado’s rattlers, including tips for avoiding them and what to do if you do encounter a rattlesnake:
- Colorado Rattlesnakes: What Sportsmen Should Know
- Coping with Snakes
- Quick Key to Amphibians and Reptiles of Colorado
- Rattlesnake Management
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