Do's & Don'ts When Adventuring (or Just Enjoying) in Rattlesnake Country
It’s Spring! Who wouldn’t want to take advantage of the great weather and spend the day gardening, cleaning up the yard, or going for a hike? But we often forget that we aren’t the only ones that want to enjoy the weather.
Although they new always around, snakes are more active when the warmer, dryer weather comes.. Some people enjoy encounters with snakes while others would rather never see one at all, particularly near their home or favorite hiking trail.
Although having snakes around isn’t a bad thing, here are a few tips to prevent unnecessary interactions.
On the Trail
Stay on trail when hiking, away from tall weeds and underbrush. Watch sides of trails where snakes can lay to have access to sun and quick escape.
Avoid wearing sandals and shorts when in areas you can't see where you are placing your feet. Wear sturdy boots and loose-fitting long pants.
Do not approach a snake, even if it appears dead.
Never place your hands or feet where you can't see. Always look before picking up rock, sticks, or firewood.
Never hike alone in remote areas.
Teach children to identify snakes and leave them alone. Picking up snakes out of curiosity can lead to bites.
At Home
Killing snakes out of fear can lead to unnecessary bites. Best way to keep snakes away:
Remove their food source. Bird feeders and keeping pet food outside can also attract rodents.
Get rid of debris and brush piles. Not only do these items attract rodents, but they also provide shelter for snakes.
Keeping non-venomous snakes- like gopher snakes, kingsnakes, and racers around can provide competition for rattlesnakes. Kingsnakes are natural predators of rattlesnakes.
'Rattlesnake-proof' your fence. Create a fence that is either solid or with metal mesh no larger than one-quarter inch. The fence should be at least 3 ft high and the bottom buried a few inches under the ground.
