Knowing what to do (and what not to do) for a rattlesnake bite could save life, limb (2024)

Rattlesnakes are emerging from hibernation in Colorado, and that means it's prudent to be careful when you and your pets are outdoors, be it hiking in the foothills or mowing your lawn.

There is plenty of information on how to treat rattlesnake bites, but not all of it is accurate.

Here is the latest information from experts on rattlesnakes, including where rattlesnakes are most prevalent in the Fort Collins area, how to avoid them and what to do — and what not to do — if a human or pet is bitten.

What you need to know about rattlesnakes in Colorado

• Rattlesnakes are Colorado's only native poisonous snake.
• About 25% of rattlesnake bites are "dry bites," meaning no venom was injected. But don't count on that — seek medical attention as quickly as possible if bitten.
• On average, it is estimated about 200 rattlesnake bites per year occur in Colorado.
• Deaths due to rattlesnake bites are rare in Colorado. However, last year, a 6-year-old boy died near Colorado Springs after being bitten during a family bike ride. The most recent fatal rattlesnake bite before last year was in 2017, when a 31-year-old Colorado man died near Golden.

Where in Colorado, and specifically the Fort Collins area, are rattlesnakes found?

Statewide:

• Prairies, urban landscapes that abut open spaces, foothills, water corridors and towns below 9,000 feet are where they are mostly commonly found.

Fort Collins area:

Below are popular recreation areas where rattlesnakes are most common, according to the city of Fort Collins. We've noted the location of emergency telephones where applicable.

• Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area.
• Coyote Ridge Natural Area.
• Pineridge Natural Area.
• Reservoir Ridge Natural Area.
• Bobcat Ridge Natural Area (There's an emergency telephone here.)
• Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
• Devil's Backbone Open Space
• Greyrock Trail

Here's advice for humans and dog owners on how to avoid being bitten by a rattlesnake

• Wear sturdy, high-top leather boots to protect the ankle area, where most bites occur.
• Stay on trails and watch where you place feet and hands, especially around logs and rocks and tall grass.
• Do not recreate with headphones or earbuds as a rattlesnake usually warns if you are too close by making a rattle sound. If you hear a rattle sound, freeze and try and locate the snake. Remaining motionless reduces the threat you pose to the snake, which decreases chances of a strike. Once you assess the situation, establish a safe escape.
• Be especially aware of rattlesnakes around dusk, when snakes become active hunting.
• If the snake coils and rattles, you are too close and should move away slowly as most rattlesnakes will not strike at people unless they feel threatened or provoked.
• Rattlesnakes can strike to a distance of up to half their body length. A good rule of thumb is to put at least 5 feet between yourself and the snake.
• Do not try to catch, kill, provoke or move a rattlesnake.
• Keep your dog on a 6-foot leash and avoid letting it walk in the grass along trails.

What you should do if a person or pet is bitten by a rattlesnake

• Seek medical attention as quickly as possible, any way possible.
• If the snake is still in the vicinity, carefully move away to a safe location where you can calm down and assess the situation. Staying as calm as possible is key.
• It is not necessary but can be helpful if you can correctly identify the snake. Never attempt to get close enough to provoke another strike. If you (or someone else) can safely and quickly get a photo of the snake, it can be helpful. It can be difficult to identify rattlesnakes because nonvenomous bull snakes are similar in appearance. Rattlesnakes have a distinctive triangular-shaped heads and have buttons or rattles on their tails, making them look blunted, and slits or elongated pupils.
• If hiking alone and help will take hours to reach you, it is a better option to slowly hike to the nearest trailhead or where you have cell reception and call 911. Report your location, when you were bitten and list of symptoms.
• Remove jewelry and tight clothing before you start to swell.
• If possible, clean the wound with soap and water. Cover it with a clean, dry dressing but don't put any pressure on the wound site.
• If you want to immobilize an arm with a sling or swath in a relatively neutral position relative to heart level, that is OK.
• Symptoms of a venomous snakebite can include puncture marks; redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding, or blistering around the bite; severe pain and tenderness at the site of the bite; nausea and vomiting; labored breathing; rapid heart rate; weak pulse; low blood pressure; and disturbed vision.
• For pets, contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency hospital as quickly as possible.

What not do to after a rattlesnake bite

• Do not assume that a bite is not serious or that treatment can be delayed.
• Do not try to suck out the venom with your mouth or a device.
• Do not make any sort of incision into or around the bite marks.
• Do not apply a narrow, constrictive tourniquet such as a belt, shoelace or cord.
• Do not apply prolonged ice, cold or heat packs to the bite. You can apply an icepack for a short period of time, around 5 minutes, but not much longer.
• Do not allow the victim to take aspirin or use any medication.
• Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink unless approved by a physician.
• Do not waste time or take any additional risks attempting to kill or capture the snake.