LOCAL NEWS

Utahns experiencing close encounters of the rattlesnake kind

Jun 30, 2022, 8:10 PM | Updated: Jul 5, 2022, 2:46 pm

BOUNTIFUL, Utah — As you make plans to head to the great outdoors this holiday weekend, you may want to heed the warning about rattlesnakes.

State wildlife officers said now is the time when snakes are out of their dens and are sometimes at lower elevations looking for food and water.

There are five types of rattlesnakes in Utah, with close encounters between humans, pets and snakes happening all over the state. A Bountiful family hopes others can be warned after their experience, which included a bite.

If you see a rattlesnake, give it plenty of space.  And don't harass it. (DWR) If you see a rattlesnake, give it plenty of space.  And don't harass it. (DWR) If you see a rattlesnake, give it plenty of space.  And don't harass it. (DWR) If you see a rattlesnake, give it plenty of space.  And don't harass it. (DWR) If you see a rattlesnake, give it plenty of space.  And don't harass it. (DWR) If you see a rattlesnake, give it plenty of space.  And don't harass it. (DWR) There are five kinds of rattlesnakes that populate Utah (DWR)

Natalie Maxwell and her family were hiking near Bryce Canyon last week when they heard an unmistakable sound.

“We heard the rattle,” Maxwell said. “It was pretty loud; it was kind of scary loud.”

The family’s 3-year-old Beagle, Penny, tried to get away but the snake got her, giving her a bite on her back foot. The Maxwells scooped Penny up and rushed to get her help.

“By the time we got her down, her paw had been…it had doubled in size and she was shaking pretty hard.”

In a remote area of Utah, the family feared their beloved pet wouldn’t make it.

“I was just scared,” Maxwell said. “The snake was huge; it was a really big snake and she was so sick. I thought we were going to bury her.”

The family headed to a vet in Kanab, Utah, over an hour away. Maxwell told the family to keep praying.

Penny was given anti-venom and antibiotics and eventually made a full recovery but rattlesnake encounters are happening all over Utah right now.

Hiker Amber Colin sent in multiple videos of snake encounters. She said she has seen five rattlers while hiking in Davis County in the last two weeks — two of them on her hike in Farmington Wednesday.

Faith Heaton Jolley, a spokeswoman with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources said in drought years snakes are more likely to be seen in yards and irrigated fields. Like other wildlife species, rattlesnakes are looking for a water source. However, the division doesn’t track hotspots.

“Just make sure you’re giving it space and you’re not trying to bother it and typically they aren’t trying to bother you,” Heaton Jolley said.

It is illegal to kill a rattlesnake in your yard unless it is in self-defense. If you encounter any on your property, call DWR and they will help relocate the animal, that eats rodents, insects and other reptiles. While there aren’t bites recorded at hospitals, the KSL TV social media was full of close encounters from state residents.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

4 hours ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

4 hours ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

5 hours ago

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

7 hours ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

7 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

8 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Utahns experiencing close encounters of the rattlesnake kind