![]() Contrary to popular belief, snakes don’t need to be moved off a trail or “helped” anywhere, although, a snake using the road as a heating pad might appreciate some coaxing to the shoulder. Regardless of the species, it’s a good idea never to handle any snake. Photo by Stephen Mackessy.Įven though only three of our native snakes are venomous, all snakes have teeth and know how to use them. Don’t Touch Any Snake The massasauga rattlesnake is found in the sandy terrain of southeastern Colorado. Most rattlesnakes will not strike at people unless they feel threatened or are deliberately provoked. Stepping back just a few feet can be enough to convince the snake that you are not a threat. However, if the snake coils up and rattles, you are too close and should move away slowly. ![]() In most cases, they will simply ignore you, thinking that you cannot see them. Because of their coloration, most rattlesnakes blend in with their surroundings exceptionally well. They would rather hide than interact with humans or other animals. Rattlesnakes are cryptic and use camouflage as their first line of defense. Hence the name, this snake is found in western Colorado along the Colorado/Utah border. Rattlesnakes Prefer to Hide A Western rattlesnake, also known as the midget-faded rattlesnake, takes cover along a rocky ledge. Meeting a snake on the trail to your favorite fishing hole or hunting spot is not a huge cause for concern, if you remember a few safety tips and understand snake behavior. So as we humans change our routines from winter outdoor pursuits like ice fishing, skiing, and competitive hot-chocolate drinking, to spring fly fishing, turkey hunting, hiking and general vitamin-D replenishment, we have more chances to bump into a rattlesnake or two. The third species, the massasauga, is a small rattlesnake localized to the sandy terrain of southeastern Colorado. The Western rattlesnake, hence the name, is found west of the Continental Divide, primarily along the Colorado/Utah border. Prairie rattlesnakes are abundant and are found statewide in nearly every type of habitat (prairies, foothills, riparian corridors and towns/suburbs) below 9,000 feet. Do you see the pattern here? The only venomous snakes native to Colorado are rattlesnakes. Of these, only three snakes are a risk to humans: the prairie rattlesnake, the Western rattlesnake (also known as the midget-faded rattlesnake) and the massasauga rattlesnake. A young-of-the-year racer snake.Ĭolorado is home to about 30 species of snakes. And because of their appearance, snakes evoke fear in many people, which almost always is unwarranted. Although most of Colorado’s snake species pose no threat to humans, I’ve been working with snakes and educating the public long enough to know not everyone believes this to be true. This particular identification was easy: a young-of-the-year racer, really no bigger than a typical ink pen. Amazingly enough, the e-mail arrived during a spring snowstorm, though, the picture was obviously taken days earlier in the warm sunshine. In fact, I had my first report of a snake just a couple weeks ago. It’s also a time when nature begins waking up leaves bud out, migratory birds return and (my favorite) the reptiles reappear. ![]() The warm days provide a glimpse as to what lies ahead, while the cool nights remind us that winter hasn’t retired quite yet. Springtime in Colorado is a great season. Prairie rattlesnakes are the most common and the largest rattlesnake in Colorado, reaching sizes of 3.5 feet in length.
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