Warmer Weather Ends Hibernation for Colorado Snakes

Sure, the warmer weather lately has been amazing! Nothing better than telling old Punxsutawney Phil to go pound sand, defying his prediction and getting some late spring/early summer vibes started across Colorado.

READ MORE: Check Out This Rattlesnake Taking a Causal Swim Across Horsetooth

With record breaking temps do come a set of challenges though - like fire danger - but there's another interesting challenge laying in the grass when you may be out taking a hike, camping or just simply enjoying a moment outdoors. Snakes. They're already up early.

Rattlesnakes, in particular, are making early appearances across the State of Colorado, thanks to unseasonably high temps. Normally they don't start appearing for another few weeks, but thanks to highs in the 80s and beyond the last couple of weeks, they're coming out of hibernation hungry and ready to get the party started.

Imagine taking a long winter's nap, and your kids come into the room and wake you up a few weeks early. You're probably going to be a bit "hangry," right?

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Fortunately, that's not always the case with rattlesnakes.

Denver7 interviewed Dr. Stephen Mackessy, a biology professor at the University of Northern Colorado, who says even though they're coming out of their dens early, there's no evidence to suggest their mood will be any different than if they got a full hibernation period. That's good news.

That being said, now is the time to keep a sharp lookout for snakes - and other wildlife - out in nature if you're out enjoying a hike, especially with kids or pets who like to wander off the beaten path.