“Wendy, what should I do if I come across a rattlesnake?”
Believe it or not, rattlesnakes are more afraid of you than you are of them. They see humans as a potential predator and their typical defense is either to hide or to try to scare you away. If you come across a rattlesnake DO NOT try to move it or kill it. Handling or attempting to kill a snake greatly increases your likelihood of being bitten. Instead, back off quietly and let the snake retreat. If the snake is on a well-traveled hiking trail, keep an eye on it from a distance and alert other hikers until it retreats off the trail. Also, rattlesnakes are an ecologically important species on the plains and sage deserts of Wyoming. Snakes keep rodent populations in balance and have benefits that cascade to many other plants and animals. You can greatly reduce your likelihood of encountering a rattlesnake by following a few simple steps:
Wendy Estes-Zumpf Herpetological Coordinator
Can't find your answer here? Search our archives of previous "Ask Game and Fish" questions.
Frequently asked questions about hunting, fishing, wildlife, application process and watercraft.
Stay up to date on all Wyoming Game and Fish news either by email or text message. Click the link below to get started.
CONNECT WITH US