Road Cycling - Rattlesnake!!

Going down the trail, another rider coming the opposite direction says "Watch out for the snake!"

Now we have lots and lots of snakes on our trail, so I just assumed he meant a bull or garter snake or whatever.

Around the corner right in the middle of the cement trail, there it was, a rattler, fully coiled, rattles a rattling, looking for something to strike, I suppose!

Anyway, went around it without incident.

It would have been nice if the fellow coming my way had said, "Look out for the RATTLESNAKE" instead of "snake."

This is the second rattler I have seen around here on a bike path. The other was on another path, also coiled and a-rattling.

Makes for an interesting part of my 22 miles this am!

Anyone else see rattlers, copperheads, water moccasins, coral snakes or the like when riding?

i guess if you put your feet up on the frame and coast by you should be out of reach...i think?? pretty scary though. we used to worry about our dogs getting struck by rattlesnakes when we lived in arizona.

i guess if you put your feet up on the frame and coast by you should be out of reach...i think?? pretty scary though. we used to worry about our dogs getting struck by rattlesnakes when we lived in arizona.

I was on it so fast that I didn't even realize it was a rattler until I was next to it! No chance for doing anything smart.

They are usually down by the rivers by us, not in the moutains. I have passed a few while out on my motorcycle. They were in the road. I absolutely hate snakes. Garter snakes scare the crap out of me. I would probably have to clean my drawers if I came across a rattler while hiking/biking.

They are usually down by the rivers by us, not in the moutains.


I absolutely hate snakes. Garter snakes scare the crap out of me. I would probably have to clean my drawers if I came across a rattler while hiking/biking.

:roflmao: :roflmao:

The rattler I saw today was near a creek bed.

When out walking in the hills around Plam Desert several years ago, I remember walking along one path that ran alongside a small stream. I'm happily walking along and suddenly hear the rattle of a rattlesnake. According to my wife who was a few paces behind, I litterally jumped backward. It took some looking before I saw the thing off to the side under some shrubbery. My brain must have processed that noise instantly and I just threw myself backward. I do remember being momentarily scared witless. Then being a dumb tourist I went back and took a picture so I can tell my dumb tourist story to people and show them a picture of the 25-foot snake that amlost killed me :D

Anyone else see rattlers, copperheads, water moccasins, coral snakes or the like when riding?

Several years ago a friend and I encountered a young copperhead on a local trail. Didn't see it until it struck at my friend's foot as we passed by.

I've seen a variety of snakes (black rats, water snakes, garters and greens) on the Katy Trail (rails-to-trails). One snake looked like a copperhead, but it slithered off into the weeds before I had a good look at it. I grabbed a rat snake by the tail, like the Croc Hunter, but I chickened out when it lunged at me.
I was much braver with the tiny green snake later that day :D

Snakes and the KATY...ugh. Years ago, stopped for a lunch break and when I went to remount, found a rattle snake coiled around the front spokes. I noticed it with one foot clipped in and the other leg about to push off. I may have accomplished the fasted dismount in the history of humankind. Worst of all? That damn snake just sat there and -laughed- at me for the better part of any hour before slithering off to tell his friends about the whole affair.

On the whole, it was not my finest hour.

Paul

can't you just hit the things with mace?

Snakes and the KATY...ugh. Years ago, stopped for a lunch break and when I went to remount, found a rattle snake coiled around the front spokes. I noticed it with one foot clipped in and the other leg about to push off. I may have accomplished the fasted dismount in the history of humankind. Worst of all? That damn snake just sat there and -laughed- at me for the better part of any hour before slithering off to tell his friends about the whole affair.

On the whole, it was not my finest hour.

Paul

Can one mace a snake? I've never thought about snake protection before...

-chris

Almost every morning I ride along the highway that parrellels the Everglades. It is always intersting to see what the road kill will be for the day. Today's road kill on the four mile stretch was two dead water moccasins, one baby gator, and a bunch of turtles. I only counted four live gators in the water by the road. The amazing part is people jet ski and wake board in this same water!

Was golfing with my 2 brother-in-laws in Reno a couple of years ago. Both of them hit their T-shot out of bounds in the same spot. There was a sign that clearly stated not to go into the restricted area because of rattlers. They were clearly warned but went into the strubbs anyway. I was on the other side of the fairway, but I saw them simultaneously jump into the golf cart and backed away lightning quick as if they saw a ghost. Nope, there wasn't a ghost, but a rattler guarding their balls. Needless to say, it was a one stroke penalty for hitting OB.

Can one mace a snake? I've never thought about snake protection before...

-chris

I'm no snake expert, but I'd recommend that you leave venomous snakes alone, because they can kill you. I've read that a large portion of venomous snake bites result from people trying to kill or harm the snake.

So I say you should just be still and give the snake a chance to slither away, especially if you are within a body length of the snake. Otherwise, just get out of there. Trying to mace the snake probably requires you to get too close and hang around too long. Not worth the risk.

I ran over a garter snake once. I thought it was just a dark spot in the road, then it started to move just as I got to the spot. When I was done I'm sure it was a really dark spot on the road.

I was rock climbing with my brother at Smith Rocks in Eastern Oregon one summer. I was belaying him when I heard the tell tale rattle. It turned out the snake was 50 ft away down the trail and a couple other climbers startled it. No one got hurt but it still scared the snot out of me.
Back in the sane world of Western Washington I see lots of garter snakes sunning them selves on the roads and trails. Nothing poisonous this side of the moutains.

My commute is along the Missouri River most of the way. I have only seen the "remnants" of 2 snakes so far this year. I expect that number to pick up as the warmer weather is now upon us. I'm also told by my neighbors that they are a problem in our area.

Glad you made it past without incident, Denver! I guess the anti-venom is quite costly and most insurance does not cover it!

Glad you made it past without incident, Denver! I guess the anti-venom is quite costly and most insurance does not cover it!

Wow. One more thing to put on my worry list!

Glad I don't live in Florida. Wonder if the major medical covers alligator bites?

We have one very "environmentally correct" state park near here (Roxborough) which has amazing Morrison formation red rocks, etc. Anyway, they put up traffic cones around the rattler nests on their trails to protect the baby rattlers from people. No kidding. Oh, bikes are not allowed.

<snip> they put up traffic cones around the rattler nests on their trails to protect the baby rattlers from people. No kidding. Oh, bikes are not allowed.

Good grief. :rolleyes:

Good grief. :rolleyes:

I must also advise that they have had several folks bitten by rattlers there.

I must also advise that they have had several folks bitten by rattlers there.


Hmm, Imagine that! ;)

Good grief. :rolleyes:
I'm all for conservation, but my tolerance stops with critters than can kill me.
Next, they'll be preserving black widows' nests.

I'm all for conservation, but my tolerance stops with critters than can kill me.
Next, they'll be preserving black widows' nests.

Well, according to data from the Missouri Dept of Conservation website (for 1979)

Circumstance of Death - No. of Human Deaths
Highway Fatalities - 1,162
Farm Accidents - 54
Drownings - 158
Aviation Fatalities - 12
Lightning - 2
Bee, Wasp & Hornet Stings - 2
Venomous Snakebite - 0

Looks like we need to stop tolerating:

People & Cars
Farm Implements
Water
Planes
Weather
Bees

But snakes are OK. At least for Missouri in 1979 :D

DnvrFox, what trail were you on?

:lol:

good post bradw. i try to avoid people and cars as much as possible already, so i guess i'm on the right track.

can't you just hit the things with mace?

1. I don't carry irritant sprays.

2. I have no confidence they will work on snakes.

3. Why not just get out of its way?

I'm all for conservation, but my tolerance stops with critters than can kill me.
Next, they'll be preserving black widows' nests.

Actually, I have heard that Rattlers provide significant environmental benefits in controlling rodents, etc.

And, to my knowledge, no one has died from the bites!

DnvrFox, what trail were you on?

4 sightings

1. On the E-470 trail, just past the toll booth as the trail goes the other side of a small hill at the bottom.

2. On the Cherry Creek Trail (today) just south of the fire training station for the Parker Fire Department.

3. On the multi-use mtn bike trail in Deer Creek Park in Jeffco at the top of the steep hill just before the trail splits.

4. On the same trail about 1/2 mile after leaving the parking lot heading to the left before hitting the climb.

Rattlesnakes and black widows are all too common around us. I've killed a black widow that was in our bathtub and had a rattlesnake rattling away at our very confused and fortunately distant cat. They're not usually the problem, though there are the situations of someone getting pegged by a snake as they pass by it on a trail and it lunges at them, but they're not after you any more than you are after them. Keep some distance, go around and everyone will be just fine. We've run into them while backpacking too, and they usually go on their merry way unless you're a dumbass and get 2 feet away for a picture with your disposable camera.

Now, that happy little notion goes out the window with brown recluses. I'd rather have a black widow bite than a recluse bite, if I had to choose (knocking on wood right now).

I'm all for conservation, but my tolerance stops with critters than can kill me.
Next, they'll be preserving black widows' nests.

Well, that is a bit of a broad statement. We have the wolf re-introduction here in Montana which has been a bit controversial. Not to mention critters like Grizzly, black, and brown bears. Mountain Lions, Bobcats, and even Moose.

As was stated by another poster, humans are by far the biggest threat to our well being. I guess I just don't like snakes. :o

Photo copyright glj 2001. Western Diamondback rattlesnake.

Photo copyright glj 2001. Western Diamondback rattlesnake.

While ours are generally Prairie or Mtn rattlers, yes, that is almost exactly what I saw today!

I hike in the Red River Gorge near my home in Lexington, KY, and I commonly see black snakes on the trails. The first one I saw a couple years ago (one of my first trips down to the Gorge), I practically stomped on it, and it was a fully mature. Six feet long. When I realized what I was doing, I swear my heart sank to my toes. And black snakes aren't even venomous. Still, a six foot long black snake on an otherwise placid, sublime hike is disconcerting.

Since then, I've always kept my eyes on the trail ahead. Seems like I see black snakes every other hike. Very common and I'm used to seeing them now. Just keep the cottonmouths away from me please.

Seeing as i live in Australia we dont have Rattlers, but we certainly have our fair share of snakes. last summer (we are in winter now) i must have seen at lesat one snake almost every time i went off road. quite scary really.

once a blacksnake that must have been near 5 - 6ft long and probably 2 inches thick slithered infront of me when i was at speed on single track. that would have been interesting if id collected it. another time i was hufing and puffing uphill then saw a baby blacksnake on the side of the trail. it didnt see me untill iwas right along side it, realised what it was and muttered the F word. it took off, and so did i. Its amazing how every little noise from then on in gets your attention :D

havent seen a brown or a king brown yet (normaly quite agressive and common species) and i dont reallt want too! getting bitten while myheart rate and lymphatic system ( your lymphatic system is what carries the venom, which is why if you lie still after being bitten you are alot better off) are at high levels really doesnt appeal to this little black duck.

G

Anyone living in Austrailia has my ultimate respect. It seems as though every other creepy, stinging, venomous thing on this Earth, can be found in the Outback. Isn't that where they have those spiders that can get you through your shoes (and kill you within an hour)?

My sister-in-law was in the Peace Corp in Mali. She had a cobra in her bathtub and a spider lay eggs in her leg.

This all makes me thrilled to be in Ohio. The scariest things we have around here, are black labs and kittens. Oh, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol :D

Yep, I see rattlers all the time on trails this time of year, especially since the rain. I am usually going fast enough that they don't much notice until I am already by them. My dog saw her first one about a year ago. I was afraid she would be stupid and go after it, but I guess those rattles worked even with no prior experience! We also had a run in with a Gila Monster on the trail before, but after it started hissing real loud my dog left it alone. I have only ever seen 2 gila monsters, both thanks to mountain biking!

I'm in country Australia and yeah we ride past browns, red belly blacks (don't kill these since they eat the other nastier snakes), and Tigers every day in summer. Ride past their heads and you're alright. People usually only ride behind them only once though. :D

joeveto: Don't know if you're talking about funnel webs or red backs? We only get red backs out here and they like keeping to themselves mostly (just bang your shoes out if you've left them outside). I usually freak out a bit though sleeping on the floor of my mates houses when I go down to Sydney, especially when they've found a few funnel webs inside in the previous weeks. :eek:

can't you just hit the things with mace?

You could also throw a rock at it (not directly, but close to it) to try and scare it off the trail... or make it even more angry.

When I was 9 I ran into a rattlesnake while playing in a field, behind the strip mall where my mom had a shop, went and told the groundskeeper about it and he caught it and drop it in a jar and offered to stuff it for me, but my mom wouldn't let me keep it.

hehe somtimes i think that americans may have a skewed view on Australia that is probably highlighted by the popularity of the crocodile hunte,r and perhaps Paul Hogan (crocadile dundee). For the most part, its pretty safe. just gotta keep your wits about you. The outback, well ive never been there! for the most part Australia is suburbanised, with patches of bush here and there. especialy in the major cities outside of the major cities there are vast areas of untouched land, some of which in the blue mountains makes for fantastic riding.

pls dont think we are like the untamed wild west hehe.

rode within a couple feet of a rattler on Green Mt. Nearly jumped off my bike.

<snip?>pls dont think we are like the untamed wild west hehe.

Um, yeah. Actually that would be Montana in the U.S. :p

Photo copyright glj 2001. Western Diamondback rattlesnake.

In Great Britain there is only one venomous snake which is the European Adder. I guess they're nowhere near as venomous as rattlers though, in fact I trod on one when I was about 12 years old and got a couple of fang marks near one ankle. Didn't even go to the hospital to get in checked out..I recovered within a couple of days.

Holy s@#t, it'd be interesting to see what my heart rate reading would be doing one of those trails that you guys do knowing that I could be struck at any time by a rattler. Is it true that Mojave rattlers are more agreesive than the Prairie and Timbers? Are Garter snakes venomous?

Um, yeah. Actually that would be Montana in the U.S. :p

No kidding.

In Great Britain there is only one venomous snake which is the European Adder. I guess they're nowhere near as venomous as rattlers though, in fact I trod on one when I was about 12 years old and got a couple of fang marks near one ankle. Didn't even go to the hospital to get in checked out..I recovered within a couple of days.

Holy s@#t, it'd be interesting to see what my heart rate reading would be doing one of those trails that you guys do knowing that I could be struck at any time by a rattler. Is it true that Mojave rattlers are more agreesive than the Prairie and Timbers? Are Garter snakes venomous?

I don't know about more agressive, but I have heard that Mojave Green rattlesnakes are more venomous than western diamondback rattlers. I have only ever seen one Mojave Green, in northwestern Arizona. I was overseeing a water well installation, and had been writing some notes in the rental car. The air compressor used with the drilling rig was turned on, so I put the car in reverse to get a little further away from the noise. After pulling back, I saw a coiled snake right in front of the car. It turns out that it was a Mojave Green that had coiled up underneath my car for warmth, right underneath me! I actually ran over it with my front driverside tire when I backed up. I was glad I moved the car and didn't step out inches from it! :eek:

I have a friend who catches rattlesnakes and uses them for educational purposes in elementary schools. He has been bitten 5 times. He looks like hell for a week everytime too. I wonder if it gets any better after each strike? I usually don't worry about rattlers, they are easily survivable, but I don't know how great it would be to get struck hours from a trailhead...

I used to ride up Mt. Diablo before work in the morning and there would be rattlesnakes on the road quite a few times, I asked the ranger about it and he said they like to lay on the road at night to keep warm. The bigest scare I have gotten while cycling I was coming down from MT. Hamilton on San Antonio Rd. going to Livermore and there was a Mountain Lion in the middle of the road he took off runing I thought I was going to crap my shorts, that was the last time I have ridden out there by myself.

there was a Mountain Lion in the middle of the road he took off runing I thought I was going to crap my shorts, that was the last time I have ridden out there by myself.


That would tend to get one's attention!

We have them around here, but so far they have not interacted with the population like those in CA. Just every once in a while. We did have a jogger (17) in the front range mountains who got taken out by a mtn lion some years back.

Bears are the more common animal, and every year we have a bunch which come down into the homes nearest the foothills and get chased around by the wildlife officers, with TV cameras ablazing, and tranquilized.

Well, that is a bit of a broad statement. We have the wolf re-introduction here in Montana which has been a bit controversial. Not to mention critters like Grizzly, black, and brown bears. Mountain Lions, Bobcats, and even Moose.

As was stated by another poster, humans are by far the biggest threat to our well being. I guess I just don't like snakes. :o

You're right, of course. I like all the animals mentioned above, especially the cats. I don't even object to snakes. Somehow, making a point of conserving rattlers, while it makes perfect sense, is somehow disconcerting.
Spiders, on the other hand, must all die. That statement I will stand by.

On the American River Trail in the fall, I usually see at least one rattlesnake every day in the trail. They won't bother you, heck half the time you go by them so fast they don't even bother to coil, they just want to stay warm. In fact, last fall I saw, by far, the largest rattlesnake I've ever seen crossing the trail (6 ft long and probably 4 inches in diameter). He/she (didn't ask or check :D ) looked like a damn log and was so big I went back and warned a female jogger I'd passed a couple hundred yards back. As mentioned before the snakes are critical for keeping the suicide squirrel population in check. The squirrels are far more dangerous to cyclist than the snakes are. Hitting a darting squirrel with a water bottle in your hand is very bad news. Mountain biking here I've seen a good number of terantualas in the trails during the fall when they mate, they are very cool to see, but I'd crap both legs if one was ever on me before I knew it was there.

I forgot I had this...Now this is a rattlesnake!!!