Heading out west - snake precautions.

If you keep your dog on a leash so you can control him you shouldn’t have any problem. Especially in a parking lot which is flat and open. If it’s hot they’ll stay in the shade of rocks and brush. If cool you may find them on the pavement soaking up some heat. But they don’t normally “attack” people or dogs. And they don’t always rattle, either. Just be watchful, keep the dog away from rock piles and brush and you should be fine.

I wouldn't worry about it. We live and travel all over in the mid-west and travel with two small dogs. Wife is from the Scottsbluff area. We have seen snakes on our property and in a few other places, but I find they like to be away from people and noise. They will generally scurry off when they here you. Just make sure your. dog is leashed and make a little noise while you walk. I doubt that you'll even see one. Enjoy :)

A friend of mine with a service dog was concerned too, and I believe got some kind of anti venom kit through her vet before a four month long trip west.

I live in a snake infested area of Tucson AZ. I have several encounters with rattlesnakes every year. It is very rare to have an encounter in areas where you have good visibility.

During mid-day, it's unlikely you'll encounter a rattlesnake at all. The prime times for an encounter are late afternoon to after sunrise. Rattlesnakes are on the move when their prey (rodents) are out and about, and this is typically when it is darker and cooler. The majority of my encounters have been early morning or just after sunset.

Keep your dog on a leash, and in areas where you can see the ground clearly and you will likely never see a snake. If you do see one, just keep 5-6 feet away and you won't have any problem. They won't chase you or your dog. Please don't kill any snakes you encounter. Just give them some room. They are the most effective rodent control we have in desert areas.

The primary places to avoid are places where rodents are likely. Avoid thick brush, wood piles, creek beds, large rocky areas, and rodent dens.

We'll be going in about 2 weeks - the first week in May. One of us can stay with the dog with the air on in the car while the other visits the center. We mostly want to take photos from the parking lot. Thanks for your input and concern.

Rita

Your dog would have to be on a leash. You will SEE the snakes before you even get out of the cars usually....park away from others so none hiding behind a car wheel. Generally, snakes will move off to somewhere when people are around. A snake spread out......not coiled can't strike. Don't let your dog wander where you can't see ....like behind a bush. The only thing I wonder about....it's hot there.....will you be leaving your dog in the car when you go into the visitor's centers? They aren't allowed in unless they're a service dog. Leaving the dog in the car is FAR worse than worrying about snakes.