They’re baaaaacck. Spring and summer, when temperatures are between 80-90 degrees are the most active times for rattlesnakes. It also coincides with more people being active in the great outdoors after the cold winter months. Generally, rattlesnakes will strike for two primary reasons: 1) to subdue their prey for food and 2.) to protect themselves. Dogs are 20x more likely to get bitten by snakes than people. Keep your dogs on a leash and stay on the marked trail so that if you come upon a rattlesnake you can quickly back away. Please keep your dogs safe this summer!
Signs that a rattlesnake is sensing an imminent threat:
1.) Will rattle their tails
2.) Will coil tightly to prepare for striking
3.) Will lunge forward at a high rate of speed to strike (distance can be up to half their body length)
If you or your pet is bitten by a rattlesnake it is imperative that you seek medical attention immediately.
