WATCH OUT: Rattlesnakes return to trails in Colorado

Watch where you step! Colorado's rattlers are on the move again.

Rattlesnakes typically slither out of hibernation in April or early May. They'll typically return to their winter den in September, entering a period of hibernation in October or November.

Visitor services manager for Jefferson County Open Space Mary Ann Bonnell reported a weekend sighting of a rattlesnake on North Table Mountain near Golden.

The Front Range, including Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, North Table Mountain, South Table Mountain, Dinosaur Ridge, and Roxborough State Park, is prime territory for rattlesnakes. 

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Colorado is home to 30 different species of snake including the prairie rattlesnake, massasauga rattlesnake, and midget faded rattlesnake.

Rattlesnake bites are extremely painful and can be fatal to humans and pets. Immediate symptoms include bleeding, difficulty breathing, blurred vision, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, numbness, paralysis, rapid pulse, change in skin color, swelling, tingling, tissue damage, thirst, tiredness, and weak pulse. 

Do not wait for these symptoms to appear if bitten by a rattlesnake, seek immediate medical attention. 

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Venomous snake bites are rarely fatal if treated properly. According to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 7,000 to 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes every year in the United States, while less than 1% result in death.

Rattlesnakes in Colorado may be killed legally if they pose a threat. All other snakes are protected by law, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Editor's Note: Watch for rattlesnakes! If you encounter a rattlesnake slowly back away. The snake will most likely try to move away from you. Rattlesnakes are masters of camouflage, blending perfectly into their surroundings. For more information about snakes and how to recreate safely, click here.