Drew Vrbenec, with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, said the prairie rattlesnake is by far the most common venomous snake in Colorado, and that it’s commonly found in shortgrass prairie along the state’s front range. Getting a photo is important, he said, since rattlesnakes are often confused with the similar-looking, but nonvenomous bull snake.
“[The bull snake’s] line of defense is to mimic a rattlesnake in hopes somebody would think that it is that and back away,” Vrbenec said.
Vrbenec said it’s a good idea to slowly back away from whatever snake you encounter in the outdoors. He also suggests not wearing headphones when hiking along the front range — especially in mornings and evenings when rattlesnakes are often most active — in order to be able to hear the snake’s characteristic rattle.