There are poisonous snakes in the Rocky Mountains along with many other dangerous animals.  Do you know how many different kinds there are?

Spring time means that it is time to get out and explore the mountains again.  Everything is becoming active again – trees begin budding, flowers start to bloom, and animals are moving around.  Some snakes come out of their winter dens and warm up in the sun.  Be careful though, because there are some poisonous snakes in the Rockies.

How Many Poisonous Snakes Are There In The Rocky Mountains?

There is only one poisonous snake in the Rocky Mountains – the Western Rattlesnake.  This snake is also called the prairie rattlesnake.

The Western Rattlesnake lives mainly below 8,000 feet in elevation.  I have tended to come across these snakes more often in the spring.  One of the reasons for this is that in the spring I am exploring the lower elevations as the higher areas are still snowed in.  Another reason is that the snakes are emerging, becoming active, and warming up after winter.

How Dangerous Is This Snake?

This snake is poisonous so you need to be careful if you see one.  Luckily, this snake is not aggressive, meaning that it will not attack you unless you provoke it or step on it.

People do get bitten by this snake sometimes.  The bites do hurt a lot, but they are rarely fatal.

What Should You Do If You See A Rattlesnake?

If you see a rattlesnake stay away from it. The first thing you should do is to freeze and let it back away then you should move away. If you are with young children, you should pick them up or hold them so they will be still. Move dogs away from the snake also so as not to aggravate the snake.

Remember, it just wants to be left alone. As long as you give it a way to leave and give it room you should be safe.

Read this for more info about the western rattlesnake.

Unfortunately, rattlesnakes do sometimes bite.  In case someone is bitten here is what you should do and get that person to medical help.

Click here for more information about keeping safe around dangerous animals in the Rockies.