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Today I was in Usery Mountain Regional Park, where there were a lot of people out. Some young kids, a lot of elderly on the Pass Mountain Trail. While on the trail I came upon a young rattlesnake, that was well concealed but right on the edge of the trail, hiding coiled up under a bush. I couldn't see him until I was only a couple of feet from him. About 100 yards back or so, there were about 7 adults riding their horses, and I waited for them to warn them about the snake before I took off. But later I started to think, "Was that a bad decision?"

I have seen snakes out in the Superstitions and other places, on trails that are used but not heavily used, and used by a lot of hikers who are less experienced or careful. In those situations I have just left the rattlers alone and not thought any more of it. But in an area like this, would you try to run off the snake so that he's not hiding out right next to the trail? If so, how would you safely do it?

Here he is, BTW: http://hikearizona.com/phoZOOM.php?ZIP=86745

I've never intentionally run a snake off. The scenario you describe is one in which I might be tempted, since horses can really freak out about snakes. However, if they were reasonably close, I'd just wait for the riders and let them know.

yeah, the problem was though that I knew there were lots of others on the trail that day, including several senior citizens...and I couldn't warn them all...

I voted for "warn people". But why not a third option - cook it and eat it.

Im the first to vote for "running him off". Not just for the safety of other trail users, but for the safety of the snake, too many people just are ignorant and would try to mess around with him and possibly even try to injure or kill the snake, I know I've heard of and seen that before.

I've run Rattlers off Peralta Road before because I did not want to see a snake hit by a passing car. Usually they start to back off when you start walking up on them.

rally_toad wrote:Im the first to vote for "running him off". Not just for the safety of other trail users, but for the safety of the snake, too many people just are ignorant and would try to mess around with him and possibly even try to injure or kill the snake, I know I've heard of and seen that before.

I've run Rattlers off Peralta Road before because I did not want to see a snake hit by a passing car. Usually they start to back off when you start walking up on them.

how would you safely do it?

In response to dshillis:

Very carefully! Thats all I got, long stick or trekking poles maybe.

Usually the one's I encounter are already leaving, or begin to right after I walk up on them. Some of them stick around for a while though.

I'll dirt or rocks in it's direction if it's on the trail and doesn't start to slither away right away. It's funny when they're stubborn and just sit there and rattle. Doesn't bother me, I'll sit and watch a snake for a while.

I've generally warned the group immediately behind me and then gone on my way. The snake won't stick around for too long if people keep walking past, I wouldn't think. Maybe I'm wrong.

azpride wrote:It's funny when they're stubborn and just sit there and rattle.

Yes, I sometimes try to wait out a snake, hoping that it will move along of its own accord. Often it will choose to stand its ground (if you could call it standing), so I go around. Going around on a mountainside trail can be tricky. It's harder to go around a bull, though.

Couldn't we just pick them up, place them into a no down payment required home with a zero interest rate for the first two years, give them food stamps to live on and unemployment insurance as well, even though they have never worked a day in their life. After all, we do that for many two legged snakes!... :whistle:

I never try to run them off unless they are somehow absolutely blocking the trail and they are being obstinate and won't budge (and in all my years out there, it's only been necessary twice - both in Chiricahua NM). Usually, I find that they get irritated with me being there and they slither off - presumably to sell some choice undeveloped desert real estate to a developer for a song or to kick a single working mother our of her home because she lost her second job and couldn't make rent and no subsidies were available anymore...

Messing with snakes accounts for 90% of strikes. Just something to keep in mind...

Jeff MacE wrote:Messing with snakes accounts for 90% of strikes. Just something to keep in mind...

Yeah, and isn't the statistic something like 80% of vicitims are under the age of 30, male and bitten on the hand or forearm? Tells you something.

The vast majority are males between 15 and 30 struck on the hand or forearm, yes.

And aren't most alcohol related, not the snake, the idiots who in their impaired state think they can move faster than the snake.

lemme see.... ages 15 to 30, male, involving alcohol...


thankfully I made it past 35 now I don't even get tempted to move them off a trail I'm actively trying to use

Young males, alcohol...were they hiking alone too, to the river and back?

ya know what I do when I see a rattlesnake? I say bring it on, punk

te-wa, I love your new hat. Very snappy!

Now, you have to ask yourself one question...Do I feel lucky?