As a nature writer/photographer specializing in reptiles, I'm often asked about the potential danger of rattlesnakes. With the warming weather, both hikers and rattlers will be out and about in Central Oregon. Most people (unless they're herpetology enthusiasts who purposefully look for turtles, lizards and snakes) have two primary questions of concern:
- Will these venomous snakes advance towards a human and attack?
- What hiking locations can I choose that are NOT inhabited by rattlesnakes?
Will these venomous snakes advance towards a human and attack?
The answer for the first query will allay needless fears. No, a rattlesnake will not aggressively slither towards you, its fangs dripping venom. Take comfort in the fact that snakes of all species fear us humans, and in most circumstances will immediately crawl away and hide. So if you encounter one of these buzzy serpents, merely move away from it and allow the reptile to flee in the other direction. Simple as that, no danger involved.
A defensively coiled rattler can generally strike outward no more than about half of its body length. Only the relatively small Northern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis oreganus) is native to Central Oregon. Despite what you've heard, the larger diamondbacks and timber rattlesnakes occur in other regions of North America. Our local species averages only about thirty to thirty-six inches in length, with rare individuals growing a bit beyond four-feet. Hence, if you remain no closer than six feet, you're well outside of striking range and perfectly safe.
Once in a great while, people are indeed bitten by rattlesnakes and end up in the hospital for treatment (envenomation from our indigenous species is rarely, if ever fatal). However, considering that our area is a recreational mecca with thousands of folks annually trekking the many trails, fishing along waterways, and a myriad of other activities, it's a very uncommon event. Usually, bites happen when someone accidentally steps on an unseen rattlesnake, or while scrambling in a rocky place inadvertently places a hand on one that's hidden in a crevice. When enjoying the outdoors, just use the commonsense safety measures of wearing boots that protectively cover the ankle; look first before sitting down in tall grass where a rattler might be concealed; and most importantly, don't put your hand in holes where unknown critters might lurk. More than likely, though, you'll never see a rattlesnake because they spend most of their time in hiding.
What hiking locations can I choose that are NOT inhabited by rattlesnakes?
Northern Pacific rattlesnakes are denizens of lower-elevation, dry, rocky habitats in sagebrush country and sparse, sunbathed juniper-pine woodlands. Consequently, utilize the previously advised prudent precautions at destinations such as Smith Rock, Cline Falls, Cline Buttes, Eagle Crest, Fryrear Butte, Metolius River Canyon downstream from Wizard Falls, Lake Billy Chinook, Powell Buttes, and the Prineville/Ochoco reservoirs. When hiking on Deschutes Land Trust protected lands, it's possible to occasionally see a rattlesnake at Alder Springs, Camp Polk Meadow Preserve, Coffer Ranch, Priday Ranch, Rimrock Ranch, and Whychus Canyon Preserve.
Rattlesnakes seem to be absent from the immediate edges of Sisters; but folks with homes located at the borders of Redmond, Madras and Prineville should be vigilant about possible rattlesnake encounters in their yard. To reduce this potential suburban risk (especially for young children and pets), try to make your property less inviting for rattlesnakes by eliminating all retreats where they could hide. Fill deep crevices in rock retaining walls, don’t leave boards and pieces of tin laying flat on the ground, etc.
Timing
Timing can also lessen your chances of a rattlesnake encounter. Of course during the cold winter when reptiles hibernate, that possibility is zero. But even during the warmer months, choosing the time of day for your outing can make a big difference. When early spring's sunny April days initially rise above 70 degrees, rattlesnakes are just emerging from their rocky den sites, basking at the mouths of crevices. At that season, if you avoid south-facing, stony slopes before rattlers disperse into the surrounding terrain by May, there is little risk of coming across one. Similarly, in the autumn days of late September and early October when rattlesnakes return to their dens, use the same avoidance method of steering clear of rock ledges and talus hillsides that have a southerly exposure. In between those two seasons during summer's hot weather, rattlers tend to mostly remain hidden in sheltered retreats at midday, coming out in the more moderate temperatures of the morning and evening hours, or after dark on warm July and August nights.
Probably no other native animal in our region generates as many fears, false perceptions and tall tales as the rattlesnake. But these negative attitudes are misplaced. Along with not being nearly as dangerous as is commonly believed, the species is an integral component of healthy ecosystems, helping to keep rodent populations in balance. The diet of rattlesnakes is primarily composed of mice, rats, gophers, and ground squirrels, which should make farmers and ranchers happy. They should not be needlessly killed in places far from human habitation.
Hopefully, after learning the truth about this unique reptile, hikers will stride away from trailheads with less apprehension. Instead, perhaps there will be a tingle of excitement about treading ground that's still wild enough to harbor this icon of the American West.
** If you think you've seen a rattlesnake in an unusual location, please let us know! Email us details of your sighting and ideally a photo taken from a safe distance.
Learn more:
About Alan St. John
Alan St. John is a naturalist, photographer, and author of several books including Oregon's Dry Side: Exploring East of the Cascade Crest and Reptiles of the Northwest. A native Oregonian, St. John now resides in Bend. His work has appeared in National Geographic, Outdoor Photographer, Country, Natural History, The New York Times, and other periodicals. In the past he has worked as a reptile keeper at Portland's zoo, and conducted extensive herpetological field surveys for various agencies. He can be found turning over rocks and logs in search of frogs, lizards, snakes, and other critters at Land Trust Preserves.