How to avoid rattlesnakes

With hiking season in full swing, many regional and thru-hikers are likely to discover or be reminded that there are rattlesnakes in the hills.

Lakeville Journal Nature’s Notebook columnist Tim Abbott had the following information to share with hikers and other visitors to the woods.

“There are hiking trails in our area that run through core rattlesnake habitat, and the snakes themselves disperse for several miles beyond their dens to forage in the summer.  

“Obviously, people who hike in areas where there could be timber rattlesnakes should take some basic precautions about hand and foot placement, avoid crevasses under ledges and avoid walking through low shrubs in high elevations where a snake could be basking.  

“However, the vast majority of timber rattlesnakes are not aggressive and would rather you not see or hear them. They do not think we are food (they much prefer small rodents).

“I have walked within less than 3 feet of rattlesnakes without them rattling.  They can strike 3 to 4 feet from a coiled position, but this almost only happens when they feel threatened or have been harassed.  

“The juveniles may actually be more dangerous than the older snakes, because when they do strike the bite is usually not dry.  An adult may opt not to inject venom in a defensive strike.

“It is illegal, as well as highly ill-advised, to attempt to handle or remove a rattlesnake. There are nuisance rattlesnake responders in all three states around the Northwest Corner who are permitted by state agencies to safely help a rattlesnake back up the mountain if it has decided to take up residence uncomfortably close to human habitation.�