Snakes
Did You Know?
- Most Colorado snakes are non-venomous, harmless and beneficial to people.
- Non-venomous and venomous species can be easily distinguished from each other.
- Of the 25 species of snakes in Colorado, the western rattlesnake and the massasauga are the only venomous species.
- Snakes are ectothermic (they rely on external sources to control their body temperature).
- Contrary to its reputation of being slimy, snake skin is actually smooth and dry and will often be shed more than once each year.
- Most snakes prey predominantly on rodents. They in turn are prey for eagles, hawks and humans.
- The most useful snakebite first aid kit is car keys and a cell phone.
Six Basic Ways to Distinguish Venomous Snakes from Non-Venomous Snakes:
- Broad triangular head and narrow neck.
- Rattles at the end of the tail.
- Fangs in addition to their rows of teeth.
- Facial pits between the nostrils and eyes.
- Vertical and elliptical pupils versus round pupils.
- A single row of scales between the vent and the tip of the tail versus two rows of scales.
Tips for coexisting with snakes:
- Effective snake control begins with prevention.
- Eliminate cool, damp areas where snakes hide including brush and rock piles.
- Keep shrubbery away from foundations and cut tall grass.
- Control rodent populations to force snakes to seek areas with a larger food supply.
- Seal all openings ¼ inch or larger around foundations, windows, water pipes, etc.
- The best safety measure is to be prepared for a possible snake encounter.
- Rattlesnakes are generally nonaggressive toward people unless they are startled, cornered or stepped on.
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