The first step to living in harmony with nature is educating yourself about the different types of animals that inhabit your area.

Western USA:

There are many snakes indigenous to North America that are nonvenomous, but many people kill all snakes thinking they are venomous, such as rattlesnakes. Some nonvenomous snakes even try to mimic rattlesnakes, by hissing loudly, vibrating their tail, even though they do not have a rattle, and try to flatten their head to look more like a rattlesnake. They do this to try to scare of predators.

NONVENOMOUS

A yearling, Pacific Gopher snake (Pituophis melanoleucus catenifer)

VENOMOUS

A yearling, Northern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis oreganus)

Notice the differences between the nonvenomous and venomous snakes, the size, shape and color patterns are distinctive. Also realize how small young snakes can be.

NONVENOMOUS

Pacific Gopher snake (Pituophis melanoleucus catenifer)

VENOMOUS

Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus)

As with many venomous snakes, all rattlesnakes have large triangular shaped heads, plump bodies, and their eyes have vertical pupils, like a cat. In comparison the body of a nonvenomous snake is more streamlined, long, muscular and slim.

NONVENOMOUS

Pacific Gopher snake (Pituophis melanoleucus catenifer)

VENOMOUS

Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus)

Also take a moment to look at the tails on these types of snakes. It might seem simple at first, but a lot of people don't take the time to look at the tail of a snake, to see if it has a rattle. On a young rattlesnake it will still have a button, or the beginning segment of a rattle, it will appear blunt, not tapered like a nonvenomous snake.

NONVENMOUS

Pacific Gopher snake (Pituophis melanoleucus catenifer)

VENOMOUS

Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus)

If you come across a snake there are some simple steps to avoid being bit. First, stay calm, stay observant and back away slowly, as snakes are just as surprised to see you as you are to see them, most often they will try to flee as soon as you approach. Keep in mind rattlesnakes can bite or strike from almost any position and they can strike up to half its body length.

Contrary to popular belief, snakes do not chase people; most people can out walk them. The apparent aggression that snakes have is a matter of show, in their own way telling you, "Go away!" To them we are large, bone-crushing predators trying to eat them. While some bites are accidents, most humans get bitten when people try to pick up, taunt, step on, surprise, or kill snakes.

Always remember these animals were here first. Respect and understand nature so you and your children can enjoy it in the future.

Can you find the Rattlesnake in these pictures?

Did you find them? Rattlesnakes are hard to spot in the wild, most often people don't see snakes in the wild until it is to late. Learn to look around the areas you are walking, don't go blindly forward, not looking were you are putting your feet. Wear proper footwear and clothing out in nature. Understand you might not see any snakes but they see you.