Rattlesnakes
Lone Tree is within walking distance to the beauty and accessibility of popular surrounding open spaces, which attract a variety of wildlife, including rattlesnakes. It’s not uncommon to encounter rattlesnakes in open areas, hiking trails nearby or even in our neighborhoods. With some awareness, you can ensure that both your family and pets coexist peacefully with rattlesnakes.
Rattlesnakes often warm themselves in the sun, hunt, migrate and den in the same areas year after year. Rattlesnakes are not built for speed, waiting in the same locations for hours, or days for a prey animal to walk by. Rattlesnakes shelter in winter dens during the coldest months and resume activity in April or May. Snakes are often seen during the spring and fall when cool temperatures require them to bask in the sun on warm surfaces. Hunting usually occurs in the late afternoon and evening once the snakes have warmed up their bodies. When temperatures allow, rattlesnakes may also prowl for food in the early afternoon or at night.
Awareness and Avoidance
- Watch for snakes basking in open, sunny areas such as pavements, rocks, trails or roads. It is acceptable to walk off trail to avoid them.
- Watch where you always place your hands and feet, watching for areas such as rocks or logs that could be sheltering a rattlesnake.
- Do not hike with headphones or earbuds in so you can listen for a rattlesnake’s distinctive rattle.
- Protect your feet and ankles as they are usually closest to rattlesnakes. Sturdy leather boots afford good protection; do not hike in sandals or flip-flops.
- Use extra caution around dusk when visibility drops. Use a light and be sure to wear boots, even in camp.
Snake Encounter
- Most of the time, rattlesnakes will not strike at people unless they feel threatened or are deliberately provoked. If a snake coils up, or makes a rattle noise, you are too close and should move away slowly.
- If you hear a rattlesnake, FREEZE in place until you or a companion can locate the animal. Move around the rattlesnake at a safe distance out of its way. Even if the snake is in plain view, freezing movement will reduce the threat you pose to the snake and help you calmly assess the situation.
- Establish space between you and the snake as they can strike from a long distance. A good rule of thumb is to put at least five feet between yourself and the snake. If possible, move slowly back the way you came. Stepping back just a few feet can convince the snake you are not a threat.
- Leave the snake alone. NEVER, under any circumstances, should you try to catch, kill, provoke or move a rattlesnake.
Find a Rattlesnake in your Garage, Yard, or Driveway
- Call the Lone Tree Police Department at 303-799-0533 for assistance. An officer will respond and provide removal options.
- Call Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 303-297-1192 or email DNR_wildlife.cpwinfo@state.co.us
- Call a local pest control company for removal.
Keep Your Pets Safe
- Always keep pets on a six-foot leash. Dogs are known to be very curious animals that ignore a snake’s defensive posturing.
- Do a quick patrol of an area before you let your pets roam free.
- Many dog training facilities in Colorado offer snake avoidance training for dogs, teaching them to avoid the sight, scent and sound of a snake.
Managing a Snake Bite
- One-third of people who suffer snake bites were bitten because of trying to handle or kill the snake.
- For pets – seek immediate veterinary attention.
- For humans – Call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for instructions, go to the nearest hospital or call 9-1-1.
- Do not cut and try to extract venom; do not use ice, heat or tourniquet; and stay calm and avoid excess movement.