{"id":17818,"date":"2025-03-25T12:51:23","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T19:51:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.azgfd.com\/?p=17818"},"modified":"2025-03-25T12:55:40","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T19:55:40","slug":"be-rattlesnake-aware-as-temps-heat-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.azgfd.com\/2025\/03\/25\/be-rattlesnake-aware-as-temps-heat-up\/","title":{"rendered":"Be “rattlesnake awarE” as temps heat up"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NEWS RELEASE <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mar. 25, 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PHOENIX \u2013 With more people getting outdoors to take advantage of the state\u2019s warm spring weather, it\u2019s important to keep in mind that 13 species of rattlesnakes also call Arizona home and become active as temperatures rise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on location, the species that are encountered most often are the Western diamondback, sidewinder, Mojave, and black-tailed rattlesnakes.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cArizona has more rattlesnake species than any other state, and we can all celebrate that amazing biodiversity,\u201d said Thomas Jones, amphibians and reptiles program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In warm desert areas, rattlesnakes are most active from March through October. During the spring, it\u2019s not uncommon for rattlesnakes to be out during daylight hours. As the days become increasingly hot, though, usually around early May, rattlesnakes tend to move around more at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking ahead, it’s important to note that April is typically an active month for rattlesnakes, as they are coming out of hibernation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe want people to know that there is a higher than average chance that they might encounter a rattlesnake when they are out recreating,\u201d Jones said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some tips on staying safe: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch your step at home<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rattlesnakes can easily blend in with their surroundings, so a person should always be mindful where they are placing their feet and hands. Carry a flashlight at night, especially on warmer nights when rattlesnakes can be most active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay on the trail<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Encounters with rattlesnakes and other venomous reptiles can take place anywhere, but they are more likely to occur when a person leaves a marked trail or wanders away from a heavily traveled area. Always stay on marked trails and be aware of your surroundings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When encountering a rattlesnake, remember that the reptile is more concerned with being left alone. Back away from the rattlesnake, give it a wide berth, and continue on your way. An agitated rattlesnake will often hold its ground but will not give chase. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Although accidents certainly happen, rattlesnakes are typically not dangerous unless provoked,\u201d Jones said.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to do if a rattlesnake bite occurs:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n