Three Dangerous Snakes on The Move in Colorado

Warmer temperatures are slowly returning to Colorado's Western Slope. As daytime highs creep higher into the 60s, snakes start to stir and slither around the Centennial State as brumation ends.

Did you know that the snakiest state in America is Texas? They have 68 species of snakes to deal with year-round. Here in Colorado, we deal with around 30 different kinds of serpents. Let's look at three of our state's most dangerous snakes you may encounter in the great outdoors.

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Colorado's Midget Faded Rattlesnake

If we had to select one snake in Colorado to avoid, it would be the Midget Faded Rattlesnake. While it's not the largest, it's the deadliest snake in our state. While Midget rattlesnakes grow to around a foot in size, they are of the pit viper species that can be fatal to humans. If one of these snakes bites you, you should dial 9-1-1 as soon as it is safe.

The Desert/Western Massasauga Rattlesnake

Western Colorado's Desert Massasauga Rattlesnake is the second largest rattlesnake in Colorado. These snakes use their rattle like a scorpion uses their stinger. These snakes can be found in areas of Southeast Colorado like Lincoln, Bent, Crowley, Otero, Kiowa, and Cheyenne. The Massasauga rattlesnakes can grow to about three feet in length. These snakes love dry and sandy habitats and the rodents that live there.

Colorado's Prarie Rattlesnake

Colorado's Prarie Rattlesnake is Colorado's largest. They grow to 45 inches or more in length and pack a bite that can be lethal to humans. Predators like golden eagles, northern harriers, and hawks help control the population of Prarie rattlesnakes in Colorado.

Keep going to check out the most common snakes found in Colorado below.