Rattlesnakes Are Ready For You

About five to six bites are reported in the state every year, according to the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center in Denver. The center adds that there hasn't been a single death from a rattle snake bite in Montana in eight years.

Although rattle snake bites are rare in Montana, there are some things you should know if you encounter one out on the trails.

Rattle snakes are secretive creatures who like to hide themselves.

But early in the morning, you might find them laying out on a trail or even the pavement to warm themselves up.

Areas to watch for rattle snakes are are in spots where they get the most sunlight to warm up, that would be on slopes facing South or Southeast.

After 30 years of hunting rattle snakes, Glenn McCaffery of Great Falls said rattle snakes don't always give warning if they're about to strike. He said usually, you step on one, or they pick up your heat signature and strike.

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"Usually a snake has to be coiled up to strike," McCaffery said. "Pretty much the length of their body is their range, but if you've got a snake that has a rock behind it or a rock out cropping-- it gives them a little more leverage--they can actually propel themselves off the ground or off the rock after you--and I've had that happen a few times by surprise."

Hikers are encouraged to avoid tall grass or brush, and should always carry a long stick to use as a barrier. McCaffery said it's the easiest way to scoop a snake away from you.

The most common venomous rattle snake in Montana is the prairie rattler.

In the event you do get bit, you should first call 911, but remember to remain calm and keep hydrated.