A group of Colorado hikers had the fright of their lives when one almost stepped on a rattlesnake while hiking in Castlewood Canyon State Park.
The snake was in the shade on the side of Rim Rock Trail, blending in with its sandy surroundings, when Darren Chamberland, of Parker, Colorado, almost stepped on it. Despite having never seen a rattlesnake before, Chamberland recognized the snake for what it was and was able to jump to the side and past the snake.
The snake immediately coiled up and started rattling. In a video of the incident, the snake has at least two coils off the ground, with its head pointed directly at Chamberland.
Chamberland's hiking partner and neighbor, Chris Armstrong, was still on the other side of the rattlesnake. Chamberland and Armstrong gave the snake plenty of space and tossed a few rocks into the bushes to distract it. They were able to safely meet up around the snake and make it back to the trailhead.
Armstrong tells KTLA, "You have to know your surroundings. You have to know [rattlesnakes are] out there. ... We need to respect the wildlife around us. This is their home, too, and that's what makes it beautiful to me."
Coloradans are no strangers to snakes. The state is home to about 30 different species, including three species of rattlesnakes: the western massasauga rattlesnake, the midget faded rattlesnake, and the prairie rattlesnake. It's estimated that 200 people are bitten by rattlesnakes every year in Colorado; and just last month, an 11-year-old boy was bitten by a rattlesnake during a biking accident near Golden.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife says rattlesnakes typically hide under rocks, inside bushes, or near big trees. They camouflage well, just like the one in the video, and typically avoid humans. If someone comes into close contact with a rattlesnake, it is recommended that they keep a distance of at least 5 feet, leave the snake alone, and try to move around the snake at a safe distance. Rattlesnakes can be legally killed if they pose a threat.
If someone does get bitten, they should stay calm, remove any tight-fitting clothing or jewelry near the bite to accommodate swelling, and go to the emergency room. Antivenom is extremely effective if administered soon after the bite.
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