Emergency medicine doctor and toxicologist Sam Wang, MD, treats venomous snakebites at Children’s Hospital Colorado and shares helpful tips about how to avoid snakebites and what to do if you or your child is bitten.

What types of venomous snakes do we have in Colorado?

There are three kinds of venomous snakes in Colorado, all of which are types of rattlesnakes:

• The prairie rattlesnake, the most common rattlesnake in Colorado, is found across the state below 9,000 feet
• The midget faded rattlesnake, found on the Western Slope
• The small massasauga rattlesnake, found on the southeastern plains

When is rattlesnake season in Colorado?

Rattlesnake season is based on temperature and typically ranges from April to September. Snakes start to come out of hibernation when daytime temperatures consistently reach 60 degrees or higher and go back into hibernation when temperatures are consistently below 60 degrees. Warmer temperatures throughout the year means a longer rattlesnake season.

Warmer weather means an increase in snakebites

Dr. Wang says that emergency doctors at Children’s Colorado saw more snakebite cases in the first month of summer in 2026 than they have for the entire season in previous years. Our doctors also saw one bite in late October 2025, which is the latest they’ve ever seen a rattlesnake bite. Dr. Wang says most of the bites he treats come from prairie rattlesnakes because they are the most common of the three Colorado rattlesnakes. They are also the largest and tend to live closer to populated areas.

Can a rattlesnake bite kill you?

Dr. Wang says it’s extremely rare for a bite from one of Colorado’s rattlesnakes to be fatal. For a bite to be deadly, the snake would have to inject a large amount of venom and bite directly into or near a major vein or artery. While it has happened, the chances of dying from a rattlesnake bite in Colorado are extremely low.

What are the symptoms of a rattlesnake bite?

The symptoms of a rattlesnake bite usually appear immediately and progress quickly. In rare cases, the symptoms are delayed. The typical symptoms of rattlesnake envenomation in Colorado are usually confined to the area of the bite and include significant pain, swelling, redness and bruising.

Most children recover well when they receive treatment right away. However, rattlesnake bites should always be treated as an emergency because the venom can lead to symptoms that need a medical expert. In severe cases, changes in blood clotting and low blood pressure can occur, leading to shock and respiratory failure. In addition to more snake bites in the 2026 rattlesnake season, Dr. Wang said he’s also seen more severe envenomations.

“For rattlesnakes in our region, the most common thing they cause is local damage to the skin, tissue and muscle,” says Dr. Wang. “In severe circumstances, the venomous snake bite, or envenomation as we call it, can drop their blood pressure and make them really sleepy. We've had a couple of kids this year needing a breathing tube and to be put on a ventilator because of how sick they were.”

What should I do if a rattlesnake bites me or my child?

Depending on your location and scenario, go to your nearest emergency room or call 911. Dr. Wang also recommends removing anything tight around the bite area such as rings, bracelets or clothing. Because swelling can happen quickly after a bite, jewelry may be difficult to remove later and impair circulation. While traveling to the hospital or waiting for the ambulance, try to keep the bitten area still. And although it may be difficult given the situation, try to remain as calm as possible and keep the heart rate low.

Rattlesnake bite treatment at the hospital

At the hospital, doctors will examine the bite and administer first aid. To stop the effects of the venom, doctors may administer antivenom. Antivenom does not reverse the symptoms of a snake’s venom but slows or stops its progression. Doctors will monitor the effects of the antivenom and administer more if symptoms do not stop getting worse. Antivenom cannot be bought over the counter and should only be administered by a medical professional.

What not to do after a rattlesnake bite

You may have heard it helps to suck on the wound or cut the area to release the snake’s venom. These methods are ineffective and may even make the symptoms worse. Dr. Wang also does not recommend using a tourniquet for Colorado rattlesnake bites.

“The problem with tourniquets,” says Dr. Wang, “is that our snakes cause mostly local tissue damage. So, the concern is that if you put a tourniquet on, it can actually worsen the local damage.”

What can I do to avoid a rattlesnake bite?

Rattlesnakes camouflage very well against rocks, sand and bushes, so many times people don’t see them until it’s too late. The best way to protect your family is to reduce your chances of coming across a rattlesnake.

Know when and where rattlesnakes are most likely to be

In the summer months, rattlesnakes are most active during the cooler parts of the day, such as the morning and evening. During the midday heat, they may shelter under rocks or beneath bushes seeking shade.

Wear clothes to protect against rattlesnake bites and keep an eye on your children

Most bites occur on the lower extremities, such as ankles, feet and legs, often when people walk through brush where snakes are camouflaged. To protect yourself against possible bites, wear closed-toe shoes, long pants and socks. Stay on trails, and keep a close eye on your children, making sure they avoid tall grass or rock crevices. Don’t put your hand into holes or crevices you can’t see down. Snake bites can also happen when close to home — the most common time Dr. Wang sees snake bites are when a child is playing in the side or back yard of their house that borders an open space area.

Be aware and enjoy the outdoors

Being so much bigger than snakes, they are generally more afraid of us. They bite when they feel threatened and when a giant is about to step on them is when they feel threatened. So as long as you are aware of your surroundings, watch where you step and teach your kids to do the same, you can enjoy the outdoors and stay safe.