With the warmer weather, rattlesnakes will begin emerging from their winter dens, and you may encounter one while hiking or spending time outdoors. If you do encounter a rattlesnake, the following tips from the Division of Wildlife Resources can help you stay safe: Remain calm and stay at least 10 feet from the snake. Make sure to give it plenty of space. If the snake is in the middle of the trail, step off the trail and go around it. Do not try to kill the snake. Doing so is illegal and greatly increases the chance that the snake will bite you. Do not throw anything at the snake (rocks, sticks, etc.). Rattlesnakes may move toward you as they attempt to flee. Alert other people to the snake’s location. Advise them to use caution and to avoid getting close to the snake. Keep children and pets away. If you hear a rattle, try to locate where the sound is coming from before you react, so you don’t step closer to the snake or on top of it. There is no need to kill a rattlesnake for fear of its return to an area. If you do repeatedly see a rattlesnake in a problematic area or if you encounter a rattlesnake in a public park, yard or play area, you can contact the nearest DWR office to report it. And remember, rattlesnakes are protected under Utah law, making it illegal to harass or kill one.
