WILDLIFE

Utah’s not just in flooding season, but rattlesnake season too

Apr 12, 2023, 1:00 PM

A western diamondback rattlesnake used by Haley Bechard, of Utah Rattlesnake Avoidance, is pictured in Salt Lake City on Thursday, June 24, 2021. In response to the drought, many snakes are out in search of food and water, and some have recently been spotted in moist areas of city parks and yards. Of the 31 species of snakes found in Utah, seven are venomous. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

BY DON BRINKERHOFF

Operations Team Lead

SALT LAKE CITY — Rising temperatures mean rattlesnake season in the Beehive State. Rattlesnakes are likely to be on the move this weekend as temperatures climb into the 70s once again.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is letting people know that an encounter with a rattlesnake rarely results in someone getting bitten. But the likelihood increases dramatically if a person harasses the snake by being aggressive, throwing things at it or trying to kill it.

The DWR is also reminding everyone that rattlesnakes are a protected species in Utah, so it’s also illegal to harass or kill them.

In a release about the increased dangers of rattlesnake encounters this season, the DWR said people most often encounter rattlesnakes at dawn and dusk as they move around looking for food and mates.

If you encounter a rattlesnake, remain calm, move away from the snake and alert others that it’s there.

To report any wildlife threats you can do so through the DWR Law Enforcement app or Send a text to 847411.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

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