Heading out west - snake precautions.

[RBak]

We'll be heading out to Scottsbluff country in a few weeks and I know there are rattlesnakes out there. I don't plan on taking our dog to the monument - he will be day boarded when we do - but on the way out there are several sites (Ash Hollow, Chimney Rock) that have visitor centers where we would like to stop and take photos. And I'm afraid to even let Andy out of the car to relieve himself in those parking areas. We don't plan on doing any hiking on the trails near those areas, but I'm still somewhat concerned that there might critters in the parking area. Can some of you who live out that way give me any more advice on this matter? As I said, the dog will be day boarded while we explore the national monument, but on the way out I know we will probably be stopping at a few historic sites. Any suggestions and cautions would be appreciated. Thanks to all who respond.

Rita

[gwalter]

We have camped in western NE for last 30 yrs and have only seen 2 rattlesnakes during that time. As long as ur dog is on a leash there should be no problems.

[Kelly_Campbell]

It is said that snakes move away from noise. The trick is, when you take the dog out to relieve himself, do it in open space so you see the surroundings, make sure he’s on a leash and … rattle some empty cans.

[Dernhelm]

I hike and camp in snake country with the dogs all the time. Keep your dogs on a 6-7 foot leash (NOT a 25' Flexi!) and don't let them walk where you can't see their feet or stick their noses where you can't see. Snakes hide under things and mostly just want to stay out of your way.

Simple precautions:
Don't take walks after dark, snakes are generally nocturnal
Keep your dog on leash
Don't reach, sniff or step where you can't see
Don't panic! If you see a snake, walk away.

Have fun!

[Jerrybo66]

Your leash is your best protection. Don't let your dog near any bush you can't see through. I heard one buzzing under a bush beside the walk at a Texas road side rest. Last week I took the dog to a recreation area by the Salt river. I had passed a woman and her two children on a path and then a little farther on saw a small rattler, about 24" laying across the path. I threw a little dirt on it to make it coil & rattle to teach the dog that it was "bad". It crawled back in the bush and I turned the dog back to the truck. I saw the woman again and warned her to be careful. I've seen 24 snake tracks where they crossed the trail on an ATV ride in the desert. When showing some Easterners our Diamond Backs in the desert one big old rattler took off after me. It was totally my fault, I didn't respect his space. (Yes, a person can outrun a Rattlesnake). 🙂 Snakes don't have to be feared but they must be respected. They don't want to waste energy in a confrontation they can avoid. They're really socialable critters.... Leash your dog and enjoy your trip..

[Code2High]

Snakes hide under stuff in the hot part of the day, so you want to be really careful around rocks or anything like that which might be a place to hide when in snake country.

In the early morning or late afternoon you may find them sunning in the open. As long as the dog is on leash, no problem.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

Rita - we've been out west umpteen times and have never seen a snake. As others have said - the dogs are leashed and kept in the "public" spaces around parking lots/roads/walkways, etc. I'm assuming that a rattler near a busy park area, would be captured and relocated, to protect the people (and the snake). We just didn't let our guys go sniffing around places that could hide a snake - it they needed to "mark" a spot, we directed them towards a post with a clear space around it.

I was especially concerned because my dogs (Ike and Jack) liked snakes. They were "interesting" - they'd follow Garter Snakes around with no fear and no malice - just curiosity.

[SteveAE]

Hi,
We backpack and raft in snake country with our dog every year and while we keep out eyes out (and detour around snakes whenever possible), so far (knock on wood), it hasn't been an issue for us. As others have said, snakes seem to leave areas where there are people. When we do encounter a snake, our dog (Australian Shepherd) tends to leave then alone. That said, the snakes along the southern boarder are more toxic (but I have heard less aggressive) than others so having a good backup plan is never a bad idea. Keeping in mind that we are often many miles from a road, let alone a vet, we bring an IV kit and saline (for hydration), Benadryl, and a list of vets in the area should we ever need to evacuate her.
Another thing that hasn't been suggested (and we haven't needed to do..yet) is "snake aversion therapy", which involves shocking the dog when they show an interest in a "de-fanged" snake. Google it if you are interested in it.
Hope this helps and my suggestions is to not get too worked up about it. Your dog getting hit by a vehicle is probably more likely than getting bit by a snake.
Steve

[Francesca_Knowl]

We camp a lot in rattler country. This was/is a concern for me/my rat terrier until I came up with a solution that APPEARS to work. I read somewhere that while they don't have "ears" like ours, snakes are very sensitive to vibrations. It seemed logical to me that the vibration of the typical bear bell might serve to warn of our approach. I now always put a bell on both me and the dog (and any grandkids that might be along) None of us has had a dread encounter since I began this practice.

A side benefit per the dog:
Since we mostly boondock she's often unleashed; the sound of her bell tells me exactly where she is at all times. She's very good about staying near me, but you know how dogs sometimes are...any "fade" in the bell sound warns me that she may be straying beyond my comfort zone and alerts me to call her back.

[Reader1]

As usual, someone posts a question, and I end up learning a lot from just reading. Thanks!!

[WyoTraveler]

You probably won't see a snake but it doesn't cost that much to get him snake shots. Get shot and 2nd one few weeks later than once a year. Plus boarding during trip? Get a kennel cough shot. Many kennel require shot records before boarding.

[rfryer]

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.

[MSGTRETIREDCSP]

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 🙂

[NCWriter]

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.

[TucsonJim]

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.