There’s only one species of venomous snake here in Oregon, and depending on where you’re looking, it can be quite plentiful. Whether you’re planning a hike in the eastern part of the state, or taking a stroll in the central or southern Willamette Valley, you’ll want to watch your step – rattlesnakes are coming out of hibernation.

It's always a good idea to be alert to your surroundings when hiking, but this spring you'll want to take extra care to watch where you step. Rattlesnakes in some parts of Oregon are coming out of hibernation.
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Most snakes are completely harmless, but there's one species in the Beaver State that's venomous - the Western Rattlesnake. There are two sub-species here. The Great Basin rattlesnake...
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...and the Northern Pacific rattlesnake.
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The Great Basin rattlesnake is typically two to four feet long. It's a light brown color, with a pattern of dark brown and tan splotches along its back.
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Northern Pacific rattlesnakes are a little bit larger, and can range from three to five feet in length. Their coloration varies, depending on where they live, but they're generally tan, grey, or olive green.
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You'll find Great Basin rattlesnakes in the eastern part of Oregon. Northern Pacific rattlers live in the central and southern parts of the Willamette Valley, and are also found on the Columbia Plateau.
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While many people are afraid of rattlesnakes, they actually play an important role in the environment, keeping small rodent populations in check.
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If you encounter a rattlesnake in the wild, you'll often hear it before you see it. Rattlesnakes can feel the slightest vibrations in the ground as you approach, and will often try to slither away before you get near. If they don't have time to get out of your way, they'll coil up and shake their rattles as a warning.
If you hear a rattle but don't see a snake, stop where you are and try to identify where it's coming from, then make a wide berth around it. A rattlesnake can only strike to a distance of about half its length, so as long as you're three or four feet away, you'll be out of range.
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If you are bit, don't worry about identifying the snake - the antivenom in hospitals treats bites from all rattlesnake species. Don't try to suck out the venom or apply a tourniquet, just seek medical attention within two hours. Rattlesnake bites are rarely fatal to humans, but can be serious.
If you're hiking with your dog in an area where rattlesnakes live, keep a close eye on him. When curious dogs come across snakes, their first inclination is to sniff them, which often earns them a bite on the face.
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Rattlesnake bites are often fatal to dogs. Consider putting your dog on a leash, or seek rattlesnake aversion training, which can help him identify the smell and sight of snakes, and keep him from getting too close.

Have you seen any rattlesnakes this year? Tell our readers where to watch for them in the comments!

 

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