Hiking, biking, camping and hunting are all favorite pastimes for Basin residents and are all activities that increase the odds of encountering a rattlesnake, especially now that warmer weather is drawing them out of their dens. While encountering a rattlesnake can be a terrifying experience, the way you react will likely determine the experience that results. Like most animals, rattlesnakes fear humans and will usually do everything they can to avoid them. If you encounter a rattlesnake, remain calm. Stay at least 5 feet from the snake. Do not try to kill the snake; doing so is illegal and greatly increases the chances of being bit. Keep children and pets away. The best way to keep rattlesnakes out of your yard is to reduce the places a snake can hide. Control your rodent population and avoid scaring away harmless snake species like gopher snakes. For more safety tips on how to deal with rattlesnakes on your property, visit www.wildawareutah.org.
