DENVER — The Alpine Rescue Team said May is the start of their busy season.
The Alpine Rescue Team recommends packing appropriately and wearing bright colors in case you need to be rescued. And this time of year, hikers may also start to see rattlesnakes.
“We share Colorado with lots of different animals,” said Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, a veterinarian with VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital. “We have already had our first rattlesnake bite here for the summer. So I know it's officially summer when the snakes are out.”
Dr. Fitzgerald said rattlesnakes are usually out at dusk and dawn.
As they blend in with their surroundings, they can be easy to miss. But you won't miss their impact.
“The hallmark of a rattlesnake bite is tremendous swelling right away,” Dr. Fitzgerald said.
The first step if your pet is bitten is to get to the vet, then potentially an antivenom. To avoid all of that, Dr. Fitzgerald recommended what he calls the 30-30 rule.
“30 and 30, back 30 feet away and give them 30 seconds to do their business,” Dr. Fitzgerald said.
He said you'll see rattlesnakes up to 8,500 feet in elevation. Above that, you're up against different challenges.
“In that transition period between seasons, be prepared for it to be more winter-like,” said Jake Smith with the Alpine Rescue Team.
Smith said this weekend marks the start of their busy season, which is Memorial Day through Labor Day.
“We are starting to see calls every weekend,” Smith said. “We are starting to see higher acuity calls, so more injuries.”
To steer clear of a rescue, a rattlesnake bite, or another big problem this weekend, you just need a little preparation before you head outdoors.
“Use your head, be safe, it's Colorado, we got to enjoy it,” Dr. Fitzgerald said.
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