Rattlesnakes on PCT ...

[scottmac]

Went up the PCT from Snow Creek Village this morning.

We ran into three rattlers on the trail in 45 minutes.

The first was a 15-inch baby sunning itself on the pavement just before the water fountain.

The second one, 200 feet past the fountain, was a three-footer just aside the trail. Simultaneously, I heard/saw my dog jump at the same spot I saw the snake coil-up. I feel my dog narrowly missed being bit. The snake slithered off a few moments later.

The third, a half-hour later, also approximately 3-feet long, was crossing the trail 15-feet in front of us. We attempted to go around it, but it would have none of that and quickly became the most aggressive snake I have seen in my eight years of desert hiking. He actually started down the trail towards us, rattling, (hissing?) and weaving. He eventually disappeared into the rocks.

Exciting, adrenaline-filled morning. Be Careful.

[Lermo]

Scott,

I took my dog to rattlesnake aversion training a couple years ago and it really helped him detect and avoid rattlers. They have the class in various areas over the spring & summer:

http://rattlesnaketraining.com/index.php

In the 30 years of hiking, construction, and meter reading in the backcountry, I have probably encountered 40 rattlers. Best time to hike is in the the cool morning & evening. In the heat of the day keep your eyes sweeping the trail in front and off to the sides. Remember, they cannot strike farther than their length, so keep your distance and go around. In a pinch, my hiking poles work great for keeping them at bay.

[Andy]

Never heard of Rattlesnake Aversion training but after reading through that sight, it sure sounds like a good idea.

Also, this quote is one you don't find too often...
"Our snakes are muzzled to ensure the safety of your dog and our trainers."

[physicslord]

BTW, I have come to believe today would be the example of a high probability day to see snakes.

I do not typically encounter them on either blazing hot summer days, or frigid winter days. A nice mild day in spring is when I usually find they are most active. It makes sense in my mind, that if you're cold blooded then you really want to avoid the temperature extreme times.

I see no reason why "the best time to hike is in the cool morning & evening"

Didn't the fellow just say he saw 3 rattlers on a morning hike?

[Ellen]

Went up the PCT from Snow Creek Village this morning.

We ran into three rattlers on the trail in 45 minutes....

Exciting, adrenaline-filled morning. Be Careful.

EEK!!! Thanks for the heads up. Nothing like having to worry about buzz tails on Skyline and other desert trails in addition to heat stress.

[zippetydude]

About the time of day, here's a brief synopsis I found on a website:

Q. What time of year and time of day are rattlesnakes most active?

A. Generally, rattlesnakes emerge from hibernation in March or April, or when the average daytime temperatures reach and remain about 60F and higher. The snakes are then most active when the temperatures are between 80-90F. This means that the snakes may be active most of the day during the spring, and during the early mornings and late afternoons throughout the summer. Exposure to temperatures above 110F for more than a few minutes is enough to kill a rattlesnake; therefore, during the hottest part of summer, snakes are seldom observed, except occasionally at night. Snake activity picks up again as temperatures begin to fall in late summer and early autumn before they go into hibernation as early as September or as late as December.

My own personal experience is they show up in the morning just as it is warming up, generally around 9:00 or 10:00, then seem to be much less active until the sun sets. Just as it gets dark enough where I need a flashlight I come across them left and right. I kept track last August and September of how many I saw when I was mountain biking in the State Park near my house. There seemed to be a ton of them out during the warm weather around the monsoons. I saw 21 rattlers during that two month time period. I didn't keep track of a.m. vs. p.m., but I'd guess it was maybe 5 in the morning and 16 in the evening.

There always seem to be a lot of them on the PCT. Not sure why. Thanks for the heads-up.

z

[halhiker]

Snow Creek is rattler paradise. I have never hiked there in the spring and not encountered on. Ever. Not a place I'd ever hike with headphones on.

[scotts]

+1 on watching out for your dogs, especially ones that like to poke and sniff around (and which ones don't?).

My brother has a terrier mix that got bit on the face while sniffing around a fence on his property. With prompt vet care the little guy made it, but only after much suffering.

http://blog.adoptapet.com/dog-rattlesnake-tips/