The sun is shining and temperatures are rising. We are heading towards summer and Utah’s Division of Wildlife Resources wants to remind the public to be safe concerning venomous snakes. Utah is home to many different species and subspecies of snake, several of which are venomous. Snakes are classified as non-game animals in Utah and are protected by law. That said, there are things to do to be safe. Most important is to avoid conflicts, as most snake bites occur when people are trying to handle or kill the snake. In the summer, snakes are most active at dawn and dusk. They hide well on open trails and dense grass, so always be looking where you step. Wear closed-toed shoes while hiking. Never try to poke, handle, corner, or harass a snake. If you are not sure if a snake is venomous, treat it like it is. When you hear a rattle do not jump or panic. Warn others around you as you locate where the sound is coming from. If bitten, treat the bite as if it was venomous. Do NOT use a tourniquet or cold compress. Also do NOT suck the venom out. It is important to remain calm and remove restrictive clothing and jewelry around the bite. Keep the affected area below the level of the heart and seek immediate medical attention.
