Rattlesnakes Emerging For Spring To Bask On Hiking Trails

BROOMFIELD, CO – Humans and their pets are not the only beings enjoying the spring weather in Colorado. This is the time when rattlesnakes emerge from their winter cluster called a 'hibernaculum.'

Broomfield Open Space and Trails warns that rattlesnakes leave their winter dens as early as mid-March and can sometimes appear on trails and open spaces from April through September. Rattlesnakes are more active and can be found sunning themselves on the trail in the mornings and evenings during summer time. During the heat of the summer mid-day, they are less likely to be out, ecologists say.

Even though some might consider rattlers terrifying, and a Golden man died in 2017 after being bitten by one, ecologists say the only venomous snake in the region is vital to the ecosystem.

"[Rattlesnakes] help control rodent populations and are a source of prey for hawks and eagles," the agency said in a press release.

A man was bitten in Broomfield in 2017 too, along the Lilac-Burbank Trail near the intersection of Lilac Street and Lilac Court in Broomfield.

The snakes are out there, so make sure you know how to deal with them, the agency said.

First, answer this question: Can you tell the difference between a venomous rattlesnake and a harmless (non-venomous) bull snake? Check out the photos below:

The answer is: Do you really want to spend precious time trying to distinguish the two when you could be fleeing?

The absolute best way to deal with rattlesnakes is to never encounter them, a strategy called "encounter avoidance," Broomfield Open Space said in a press release. Here are the agency's tips for avoidance:

1. Wear closed toed shoes.
2. Stay on designated trails.
3. Keep dogs on leash at all times.
4. Be aware of your surroundings.

However, if you do encounter a rattler–or hear one–here are the best actions to take the agency said:

1. Remain calm, do not make any sudden movements.
2. Stop walking and determine the snake's location.
3. Slowly back away from the snake.
4. Give the snake time and space to move along on its own.
5. If the snake does not move on, leave the area and choose another path.

Do not try to pick up or harass the snake (believe it or not, this is the way most snake bites happen).

Do not attempt a #snakeselfie.

If you, your pet or a companion is bitten, follow the steps below:

• Call 911, keep the victim calm and still.
• Have the victim lay/sit down with the bite wound below the heart.
• Remove any rings, watches, etc. that could constrict swelling.
• NEVER apply a tourniquet, slice the bite open, ice the wound, or attempt to suck out the venom.

You can find more information on rattlesnake safety at the Open Space and Trails website.

Related: Rattlesnake Hibernation Migration Closes Cottonwood Canyon Trail

Related: Rattlesnake Bite Venom Killed Triathlete Hiker: JeffCo Coroner