Rattlesnake awareness for people, pets

Mother Nature has been giving us hints that spring is soon to be upon us and with those warmer weather conditions come critters that have been hiding away during the cold months.

One of those waiting to make their appearance is the rattlesnake.

Although normally not aggressive, a rattlesnake will strike, or bite, when it is disturbed, provoked or threatened. As a cold-blooded creature, they will seek out the warmth of a sunny rock or even the middle of the road after a cool night in an attempt to warm their bodies.

Folks who walk backroads or even our roads in town for exercise need to be more alert to the possibility of rattlesnakes as the temperatures climb. To prevent themselves from becoming overheated, they will seek the shelter of bushes during the day and become more active at dusk and dawn.

If you are going walking, hiking or climbing, be sure to wear sturdy boots and long pants. Bare feet or sandals are a ‘no go’ in brushy, wild areas as rattlesnakes may not rattle before striking if they are startled.

Its also a good idea to step on logs or rocks rather than stepping over them as you never know where the snake may be sleeping. And grabbing sticks or branches while swimming in lakes or rivers – rattlesnakes can swim.

If your four-legged friend is with you, its best to keep them on a leash as dogs have a tendency to be bitten more frequently because they are sniffing the ground while investigating the outdoors.

Dogs are about 20 times more likely to be bitten and are about 25 times more likely to die if bitten. There is a canine rattlesnake vaccine available, so chat with your veterinarian to see if they have it on hand.

The best prevention for both man and beast is to avoid the rattlesnake completely. If one crosses your path, simply step away and let it go on its way.