LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The spring-like weather is bringing out more than the wildflower blooms across the Las Vegas valley; it's also calling snakes out of hibernation.
According to Nevada Department of Wildlife, snake season is from March to October. During those months, you can come across all sorts of snakes, including rattlesnakes.
We have six species of rattlesnakes in Nevada, according to the Department of Wildlife, which notes you can identify a rattlesnake by
its triangular head, rough-looking scales and, of course, the rattle at the end of its tail.
"Once the weather starts warming up, reptiles then start coming out when it's warm enough," said Doug Nielsen, a conservation educator with the Department of Wildlife.
"They depend upon the sunshine and the warmth of the sun in order to control their body temperature," Nielsen added. "So when we start feeling comfortable to get outside and get in the sun, so do they."
As the temperature goes up in the next few months, many of us will be taking refuge under a shaded area — but it is important you inspect it carefully before taking refuge, Nielsen warns.
"If you feel like you are getting a little warm and you want some shade, well, so does a snake. So you want to make sure that before you sit down in the shade of a tree or bushes — especially out in the undeveloped areas — that you look and see what's there."
While it can be a challenge to keep snakes off your property, keeping a clean and neat space doesn't hurt.
"Clutter attracts rodents; rodents attack the things that eat them," Nielsen said.
Rattlesnakes are often encountered in urban areas including shaded yards, garages, or covered patios because the snake needs to escape the heat, wildlife officials say.
If you do encounter a rattlesnake, it is important to leave it alone. You can reach out to the Department of Wildlife, and they can remove the rattlesnake if needed.
"Give it 6 to 8 feet and walk around it," Nielsen said.
"It won't feel too threatened and it won't be close enough for it to bite you, and by doing that and alleviating its anxiety — that is going to lessen the chance of someone getting bitten. It's when we start messing with them when we get bit."
Nielsen said people can send pictures of snakes to NDOW and they can confirm whether or not the reptile is venomous. To get in touch with the Department of Wildlife, call 702-586-5127.
While they can be scary for us, Nielsen notes that venomous snakes can also be a good thing.
"There is a beneficial role that snakes play, and that role is controlling rodent populations," said Nielsen.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife also shared these tips to keep your pets safe from snakes when you are out and about:
- Always walk your pets on a six-foot leash, not just for rattlesnakes but other wild animals as well!
- Never allow them to interact with wildlife.
- Never allow them to stick their heads in holes or in places you can’t clearly see.
- Look into snake avoidance training for dogs. This teaches them to stay away from rattlesnakes and can be very useful if you recreate outside frequently.
