Visitor Services Manager of Jefferson County Open Spaces Mary Ann Bonnell recently took to Twitter to warn the public of rattlesnake activity in the area of Golden’s South Table Mountain. An area with little shade, the ample sunlight makes the trails and rocky terrain in this area a favorable spot for basking snakes.

South Table Mountain is a popular spot for hikers, bikers, and rock climbers, noteworthy for its close proximity to Golden and the Denver metro.

As Colorado starts to get warmer, expect rattlesnake activity to increase around the state. While rattlesnake bites are uncommon and deaths due to bites are rare, dangerous encounters do occur.

While in rattlesnake country, stay alert. Keep pets on a leash and wear closed toe shoes. It’s also a good idea to keep at least one ear open to listen for the tell-tale warning rattle.

In Colorado, rattlesnakes tend to like areas where rocks and holes can serve as a den. While these spots are generally avoidable, rattlesnakes are also known to seek out trails in search of sunlight. Because of this, many human-rattlesnake encounters occur amid standard, responsible on-trail use.

If you happen to spot a rattlesnake, retreat from the area to avoid threatening the snake and wait for it to pass. It’s a good rule of thumb to give it at least 15 feet of distance. If bitten, seek emergency assistance immediately. Find more rattlesnake safety tips here.