Travel Tips & Trends

Snakes on a plain

Summer hiking, camping and other outdoor activities are a good way to connect with nature in Colorado. Some parts of nature, however, don't want to connect with you. Awareness will reduce your chances of meeting a rattlesnake on Colorado's plains this summer—or anywhere else.

Colorado has many harmless snake species. Rattlesnakes are the only ones to watch for. The Western rattlesnake is found throughout the state, and the massasauga rattlesnake lives on the southeastern plains. Their tail rattles distinguish them from their harmless relatives.

The best way to avoid snakebite is simply to leave snakes alone. Most people are bitten because they try to handle or move a snake, get a closer look, or accidentally step on it.

Keep your hands and feet out of areas that are hidden from view. For example, stay out of tall grass when hiking and remain on cleared paths as much as possible. Wear leather hiking boots, not sandals, and be cautious when picking up rocks or firewood.

What if a snake bites you?

First, move away and leave the snake alone. Trying to capture or kill it often leads to a second bite. Identification is not necessary for treatment.

Stay calm and don't run—a faster heartbeat will let the venom circulate faster. Call 911 and get to a hospital as soon as possible.

Despite what is shown in movies, don't cut or suck the bite area. Ice compresses and tourniquets are also not recommended. These methods cause more harm than good.

Thanks to modern antivenom, only about a dozen snakebite deaths are reported each year nationwide. For more information, call Colorado's regional poison control center, 800-222-1222 (303-739-1127 for hearing-impaired callers).