Rattlesnake Safety
Rattlesnakes and other venomous snakes are found across the contiguous United States, from north of the US border with Canada to south of the US border into Mexico and beyond. While you will not see a rattlesnake when temperatures are colder, much of the southern half of the contiguous US is warm enough throughout the year for snakes to be active in all months. Generally, if flying insects, such as flies and butterflies, are out and active, it is warm enough for reptiles to be out and active, including rattlesnakes. Knowing what snakes you may encounter and when is hard to predict so we would like to recommend a few tips on how to deal with rattlesnakes in your area.
Rattlesnakes in wild spaces
Exploring the outdoors, especially with our dog family members, is a pastime many people enjoy. Of course, rattlesnakes and other venomous snakes are one of many hazards you may encounter.
- Contact park rangers or local animal control for information about venomous snakes in your area.
- Always obey leash laws and stay on marked trails. Do not allow dogs to roam off trail and prevent them from sticking their snouts into holes or crevices where snakes may be hiding
- Keep an eye ahead of you on the trail to look for snakes moving or laying across pathways.
- Check for snakes around the bases of signposts, tables, trashcans, and other structures in campsites or rest areas.
- If you spot a snake, keep you and your family away from the snake. If there is not safe way to move around the snake, wait for it to move or else contact parks staff/animal control.
- We generally discourage you from leaving the trail, if you encounter a snake on the trail, do not leave the trail; it is possible you may step into the strike range of a snake hidden beside the trail.
Rattlesnakes near your home
The idea of a venomous snake near your home is likely not a comforting thought. Below are some tips and considerations for encountering rattlesnakes and other venomous snakes near your home.
- If you encounter a snake, do not engage it. Secure pet animals and children immediately. Ensure that windows, doors, and other openings on your house, garage, shed, barn, etc. are sealed to prevent the snake from going indoors. Finally, contact local animal control for removal of the animal.
- Do not attempt to approach the snake; if you cannot identify it as a venomous species like a rattlesnake, leave it alone and contact animal control as described above.
- If you allow the snake to wander from your house or yard on its own, it is likely to remain in the area. Be alert to the snake coming back into the yard or approaching the house.
- Snakes, like any other animal, are in search of food, water, and shelter. The same amenities that make your home pleasant for you will also be attractive to wild snakes. Consider the following attractants that you may remove from your home.
- Remove sources of standing water that attract snakes and their prey. Water bowls for outdoor pets, birdbaths, water features, and lawn water runoff are likely to attract wild species like rodents and birds that are prey to snakes. In especially arid climates, snakes may be attracted by these as sources of water.
- Ensure that animal feed and bedding are secure. Place bags of feed (bird seed, dog/cat food, farm animal feed, hay, etc.) in secondary containers, such as trash cans or pet food bins, to prevent rodent or other pest from accessing them. Snake will be attracted to the abundance of prey species that are feeding off of these food sources. Make sure to clean up spilled feed immediately and keep an eye on seed that spills from bird feeders. Rodents such as squirrels, mice, and rats, will feed off this spilled feed.
- Clean up piled waste, wood, hay, or other debris that snakes may use as shelter. Piles of material in or around human habitation make good hiding spots for snakes and also attractive places for pest species such as rodents to make their nests.