A hiker pauses near a western diamondback rattlesnake
A hiker pauses near a western diamondback rattlesnake
Snakes, including rattlesnakes, have no interest in attacking us or our pets, because we are too large to eat. Even when stepped on or picked up they are reluctant to bite (but don’t test that at home).
One of our most beautiful natives, the Sonoran mountain kingsnake
One of our most beautiful natives, the Sonoran mountain kingsnake
Many harmless snakes, such as this one, have bright coloration similar to venomous species. The safest course of action is to leave all snakes alone; the harmless ones preferred not to be bothered too.