Race Day Live (Colorado) – Colorado is not just well-liked by tourists seeing the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, investigating Denver’s brilliant lights, or visiting the charming tiny villages of the state. Some terrifying serpents also have really appealing looks.
Three species of rattlesnakes call the Centennial State home: Massasauga Rattlesnake, Sistrurus catenatus; Prairie Rattlesnake, Crotalus viridis; Midget Faded Rattlesnake, Crotalus concolor. If you come across one while outdoor exploration, all are venomous and should be treated carefully.
While Midget-Faded Rattlesnakes are usually found in Mesa, Delta, and Garfield Counties, Prairie Rattlesnakes abound across Colorado. Thanks to their dwindling numbers, Massasauga Rattlesnakes are a species “of special concern” in Colorado and far less common. Usually found in southeast Colorado, they are
The natural behavior of rattlesnakes does not include aggression against people. Usually only striking when threatened, hence if you keep your distance and leave the snake alone, you can enjoy seeing these amazing animals in the wild and carry on your Colorado trip free from incident.
North Table Mountain Park
Research studies on rattlesnakes abound in Jefferson County’s North Table Mountain Park. Found all across the park, Prairie Rattlesnakes should be cautious while exploring its 15-mile trail system for rock climbing and hiking. As they emerge from hibernation, rattlesnakes are commonly found close to the paths throughout the spring and summer.
Covering over 2,000 acres close to Golden, the park is renowned for its breathtaking views from North Table Mountain and its sister peak, South Table Mountain; both were created by lava flows some 60 million years ago.
Greater Fort Collins
Some slippery, reptile dwellers have made the rocky slopes of Fort Collins well-known. Outside of town, researchers say there are hundreds of snakes at a rattlesnake rookery, or den. A live video displaying the inside of the nest made this news item of interest for 2024.
Prairie Rattlesnakes, found in grassland, sandhills, semi-desert shrubland, and forest habitats up to 9,500 ft in elevation, find a perfect habitat in the area surrounding Fort Collins
Garden of the Gods
Outside Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods Park is a National Natural Landmark sometimes referred to as “the gateway to the Rockies”. Views of adjacent snow-capped Pike’s Peak and exquisite sandstone formations abound in this lovely 480 acre park. Popular among hikers, bikers, and climbers, there are many ways to appreciate the surroundings as long as you look out for rattlesnakes.
Rangers caution guests to remain alert on the paths and report any sightings since reports of rattlesnake bites at the park have surfaced. Should you get bitten, be composed, avoid using a tourniquet since this will trap the poison in the wound and require quick medical attention.
Ute Valley
Prairie Rattlesnakes find plenty of appealing homes in the verdant Ute Valley. The snakes are often seen lounging on the walkways of Ute Valley Park in the summer, when hikers may follow the appropriately named Rattlesnake Ridge among other paths.
This difficult climb leads to a narrow, rocky path with broad views across Black Forest, Pinon Valley, and Pikes Peak. Along with rattlesnakes, the park boasts black bears, deer, and coyotes. Park visitors must always keep dogs on a leash and stay on approved paths.
Rio Grande River
Rising in the San Juan Mountains in southern Colorado, the Rio Grande River flows east and south across the state. It crosses many Prairie Rattlesnake habitats along the way: grasslands, rocky hillsides, and drainage beds.
Along Colorado’s Rio Grande River, popular leisure destinations are Alamosa Riparian Park, Rio Grande National Forest, and Alamosa Wildlife Refuge. If you are exploring the outdoors in or close to those locations, be careful where you go and know that the snakes prefer to burrow into quiet areas like leaf litter, rock piles, or wood piles so never reach into a gap or a hole without first looking what is there!
Conclusion
Many stories surround snakes, hence it is crucial to distinguish fact from fantasy. Though it is rare for snakes to bite humans, they might look scary. They also help our ecosystems by consuming the pests that ruin crops and by offering birds and other predators higher up the food chain a food supply in return.
The triangular head of rattlesnakes and the rattle near their tail help one to quickly identify them. If you see one, give it some space and gently circle around. Freeze if the telltale rattle of the snake sounds. Should you not know where it is, you could unintentionally approach it.
Keep all dogs on a leash and wear leather boots and long pants when hiking. In the warmer months, rattlesnakes enjoy sunbathing; in fall, they are active before winter hibernation.
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