Snake Encounters

If you live in Colorado and take advantage of the many outdoor activities we have available then it is not a question of if, but when will you encounter a rattlesnake.  As with all the wildlife in our state, you should learn to peacefully co-exist with these animals.  With rattlesnakes in particular, this means observing from a distance and knowing exactly what to do if you encounter one and what to do in the unlikely event you or someone you know is bitten.  Below, I have listed a few actions you can take in both situations. 

Encounters:

• If you are hiking or participating in any outdoor activity, I first recommend that you get to know the area.  Look for rattlesnake warning signs and heed these warnings.  You don't need to avoid the area, but keep a watchful eye out -- especially if you are walking a dog or have children with you. 
• Utilize books and Internet sites such as this one and www.coloherp.org to view pictures of the rattlesnake species we have in the area to help you identify indigenous snake species. 
• If you hear the unmistakable rattle, but don’t see the snake: DO NOT RUN.  You may run right over the snake.  Freeze and locate the snake before moving.  Once you have located the snake, don’t panic.  Take 2 large steps away and you will be well out of strike range.  Then simply walk around.  Do not try to move the snake off a trail with a stick or throwing rocks.  You could injure the snake or misjudge the striking distance which might result in a bite. 

Venomous Snake Bite Dos & Don’ts:

• Do not panic.  Remain as calm as possible. 
• Do not run to your vehicle or for help.  This will spread the venom much faster. 
• Do not cut the wound.  This will increase chance of infection and does nothing to remove venom.
• Do not waste your time trying to suck out the venom.  What little you may remove will be insignificant. 
• Do not hesitate in seeking medical care.  Time is tissue when it comes to rattlesnake bites.  The longer you wait the more tissue will be destroyed. 
• Do not ever handle a snake.  Snakes should only be handled by a professional and should be observed & admired from a distance.
• Do not ever handle a dead rattlesnake.  Due to muscle reflexes, rattlesnakes can bite several hours after death. 

• Do remove all jewelry or anything constricting to the bite area.  You will swell and jewelry will need to be cut off.
• Do call 911 right away.  Know where the closest hospitals are and how to get to them.  I don’t recommend driving yourself so if you are with a friend have them drive you to the hospital. 
• I recommend carrying a cell phone if you are out hiking.  If you are bitten you can call 911 and have an ambulance waiting for you.  The hospital will also have time to prepare the anti-venom for your treatment. 

There are approximately 8000 venomous snake bites in this country every year and less than 1% of these bites results in death.  We are fortunate in this country to have excellent medical care.  If you follow the few guidelines above and get in the hospital immediately your chances of experiencing serious effects are significantly reduced. 

How We Handle Snakes

Venomous snakes should only be approached and handled by a trained professional. Other than a few tips from close friends, I have taken the time to teach myself how to properly handle these animals in a safe manner that does not harm them. I only handle when necessary and during those times I use professional snake handling equipment designed by Tongs.com. If you do handle snakes I highly recommend this equipment. I have found it to be of the highest quality and it has not let me down yet. I personally use the Gentle Giant collapsible tongs, snake hook, collapsible snake hook (for traveling), and the Pro-Bagger system. Tongs.com has virtually every item you would need for snake handling.

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