Look out for baby rattlesnakes being born now across Colorado

[Desmond Milligan 0]

Rattlesnake season is far from over in Colorado, and you may even see more of them in late summer and fall than at any other time.

That's because baby rattlesnakes are born in late August through early October in Colorado, usually in dens found among rock crevices and old rodent burrows. Whether you're in your yard or out recreating, it's important to watch closely where you reach or walk to avoid and keep pets away from these potential den sites.

While not normally aggressive, rattlesnakes are more active, and can be more aggressive, in Colorado in spring when they emerge from winter hibernation and in the fall when they seek warm locations for the winter.

Rattlesnakes typically give birth to four to 12 babies that are born live and are protected by their mother for a short period of time after birth.

Prairie rattlesnakes are by far the most abundant of Colorado's three venomous snakes.

How to see baby rattlesnakes in Colorado from the comfort of your computer

Project RattleCam has live cameras focused on a known prairie rattlesnake mega den, or more accurately a rookery, on undisclosed private property in Northern Colorado, where dozens of pregnant rattlers spend the summer and give birth to babies.

Watching the live feed, you may see hundreds of snakes overwinter, shed their skins and bask in the sun.

Project RattleCam is a collaborative project among scientists from California Polytechnic State University, Central Coast Snake Services and Dickinson College in Pennsylvania.

Are baby rattlesnakes more dangerous than adults?

No.

The myth is baby rattlesnakes are more dangerous to people because they can't control the amount of venom in their bites.

The truth is a baby rattlesnake has far less venom than an adult.

How to eliminate uwanted rattlesnakes from denning near your house, yard

• Eliminate potential snake denning sites such as rock piles and rodent holes; remove brush, rocks and tall grass; and keep shrubbery away from foundations.

• Control insect and rodent populations to lead them to find areas with a larger food supply. Put grains in tightly sealed containers and clean up residual pet food and debris to avoid attracting rodents.

• Cover up rodent holes to eliminate potential denning sites.

Can you kill a rattlesnake in Colorado?

There is a hunting season for prairie rattlesnakes that runs from June 15 to Aug. 15 for which you are required to purchase a small game hunting license.

Outside of that period, rattlesnakes can be killed only if they pose a threat to life or property.

Rattlesnakes can be unnerving and a health risk if you're bitten, but they are important ecologically as they prey on rodents like mice, rats and prairie dogs that can damage crops and potentially transmit diseases to humans.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Northern Colorado 'mega den' camera offers views of baby rattlesnakes

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