Photo: Charles and Clint
After several years of hearing tales of rattlers on local trails, I finally had my first encounter last weekend. As we enjoyed a scenic vista, the distinctive rattling came on suddenly and unexpectedly. My wife and I looked around and could decipher that it was down trail in the direction we needed to go, but couldn't see exactly where.
I proceeded first with my trusty lab Duncan. Thinking that the snake was off the trail in the brush, I didn't have any heightened sense of danger. However, as I walked by, I noticed it was on a rock right on the side of the trail. My wife was petrified, as she has a fear of all things snake, especially ones with seething, venom-bearing fangs.
At the time, I had no idea what distance a rattlesnake could cover on its strike and priority 1 was to get the rattler off the side of the trail and into the woods. I threw a number of rocks in its general direction. It didn't budge. The rattling was more frantic than ever and the snake coiled its body and hissed vigorously--not the way I wanted to see my first rattler.
It was apparent that the rattler was quite at home and didn't want to move. It was also apparent that it would prefer sinking its teeth into my flesh over slithering off peacefully. Eventually, I had to take a long stick and slowly push it back away from the trail. It struck the stick several times and I was very worried that angering the rattlesnake to this degree would have very bad results. I didn't see much of an option outside of hiking 8 miles in the wrong direction, though, so it was the only course of action available. Luckily, my wife was able to scurry down and we made it past the snake (as well as our second official rattler encounter further down the trail).
This situation was extremely tense because I really didn't know anything about rattlesnakes. Namely, I didn't know how far they'd be able to strike and how much distance that I needed to get between us and it. As soon as I got home, I spent some time researching snakes. I thought I'd share some things I found out:
Identification
Rattlesnakes belong to a greater family of snakes known as pit vipers. Pit vipers are all poisonous, so even if you haven't identified a rattlesnake, you've identified a poisonous snake to stay away from. Here's some characteristics:
-Rattle--This one is the most obvious and is a characteristic of rattlesnakes, not all pit vipers. However, a rattlesnake can lose its rattle and baby snakes don't have one yet--though they may have a visible bulb protruding from their tail. Rattlesnakes don't always shake their rattle prior to striking.
-Head--One distinct feature about pit vipers vs. non-venomous snakes is their large, triangular head that extends from a skinnier neck.
-Eyes--Pit vipers have eliptical eyes, whereas other snakes have round eyes. They also usually have vertical pupils like a cat. I wouldn't suggest having a staring contest with one to analyze its eyes, however.
-Pits--You know there was a reason for the pit in the name. It refers to two small holes between each eye and nose. These are sensory organs that are not present on other snakes.
Strike
Rattlesnakes are not viscious creatures. They want to avoid you just the same as you want to avoid them. Their rattling is a defense mechanism to warn you of their presence. Their striking is also a defense when they feel threatened.
Most sources I checked indicated that rattlesnakes can strike a distance equal to 1/3 or 1/2 of their length, and the longest distance quoted was 2/3. So a three foot snake could strike two feet. The largest Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes can grow up to 8 feet in length, so the strike could potentially be pretty far--over 5 feet based on those numbers.
Avoidance
If you come upon a rattlesnake or any other snake for that matter, it's best to avoid it. Walk around the snake and stay outside its striking range. Don't run or make a lot of noise, but proceed calmly and quietly. If this isn't possible (i.e. snake is sitting smack in the middle of your trail) try carefully scaring it off from a distance. Since rattlesnakes are fearful of you, they'll likely (and hopefully) scurry into the woods. Beware, though, that the more you prod at it, the more threatened and angry it will feel.
Never attempt to handle the snake. You should not attempt to kill the snake. In addition to being quite risky if you miss, the snake has a right to its habitat and should only be killed or removed if it's invading your living space, not vice versa.
Precautions
-Before hiking, be aware of the snakes and other dangerous creatures that live in the area you'll be in. Also be aware of the times of year that they are most active. Rattlesnakes are most active in warm temperatures, like spring and summer, and also hunt at night. Purchase a guide and look at pictures to make identification easier.
-Stay on clear, designated trails and never blindly put a foot or hand down without looking ahead first. If walking through grass or dense brush, look before you step!
-Wear full hiking boots rather than hiking shoes and also wear loose pants.
-Keep your dog leashed and don't allow it to sniff and poke around in the grass.
-Don't spend too much time trying to get close and identify the snake. There's no compelling reason to bother any snake, so treat it like it's dangerous and leave it alone.
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I grew up in rattlesnake country. Although they scared the bejeszus out of me, my Dad didn't take any of their crap--so to speak. In the job he worked, he came into contact with them all the time. He'd take out his trusty shovel from his truck and popped them in two. He'd cut off the rattlers. He had quite the collection by the time he retired. Rattlers he killed without remorse, but bull snakes, we were taught, were our 'friends'. Although anything slithery crept/creeps me out to this day.
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