DAVIS COUNTY—Utah is truly an outdoor paradise, and as the weather warms up, people aren’t the only animals leaving their homes in search of warmer temperatures. Spring marks the return of the beautiful, albeit deadly Utah and Davis resident, the Great Basin Rattlesnake. This protected species of snake usually gives more warning than its cousins and siblings but with the toxicity of its venom, there are things to do to avoid this predator altogether.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) gave some helpful information about rattlesnakes in the area, of which the Great Basin Rattlesnake is the most common. Rattlesnakes in Utah are particularly active in late spring, and early summer, and while they are more commonly seen around dawn and dusk, they can be active at any time of day.

“An important action you can take is becoming more knowledgeable about the rattlesnakes that you may encounter around your residence or during outdoor recreational activities,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Native Herpetology Coordinator Alyssa Hoekstra said. “Being aware of species you may encounter is a great way to be proactive to avoid unwanted interactions with rattlesnakes and prepares you to respond in a safe manner.” 

The fortunate thing to remember is that snake bites in the area are rare. Rattlesnake will not pursue a person, and will generally stop their aggressive behavior and posture if a person is far enough away from them. This is why DWR representatives suggest things like being hyper-aware of trails, looking ahead of steps, and checking dense brush or rocky outcroppings.

“Like most wild animals, rattlesnakes fear humans and will do anything they can to avoid us,” Hoekstra said. “If a snake is feeling threatened, it may act in defense. The best course of action is to maintain a safe distance.”

In the event of a surprise occurrence of a rattlesnake, the DWR gave the following tips to keep all parties involved safe and unbitten:

• Remain calm and stay at least 10 feet from the snake. Make sure to give it plenty of space. If the snake is in the middle of the trail, step off the trail and go around it. 

• Do not try to kill the snake. Doing so is illegal and greatly increases the chance that the snake will bite you. 

• Do not throw anything at the snake (rocks, sticks, etc.). Rattlesnakes may move toward you as they attempt to flee. 

• Alert other people to the snake’s location. Advise them to use caution and to avoid getting close to the snake. Keep children and pets away.

• If you hear a rattle, try to locate where the sound is coming from before you react, so you don’t step closer to the snake or on top of it.

If a bite, which is rare, occurs, the DWR advises to not attempt to suck out the venom, not to apply heat, cold, or a tourniquet, but rather, remain calm, and seek immediate medical attention. 

These, and other safety tips, including keeping rattlesnakes out of residential areas, and away from dogs can be found at wildawareutah.org/wildlife/snakes/.