![]() She said most bites happen when a snake is actively provoked by a child or dog, or when someone unknowingly steps on or rides over it. “They don’t want to waste their venom, but they will attack to defend themselves. “They’re smart enough to know you’re not prey,” Fleming said. Though very rare, a high density of snakes in a single area could be the due to the presence of a hibernaculum, or a group of snakes nesting together. Moreover, people usually report singles or pairs of rattlers, but rarely any more in a single area. Prairie rattlers, the Backbone’s variety of venomous snakes, usually hide in shaded areas under rocks and vegetation, but enjoy sunning in the open, for instance, in the middle of a clean-cut trail. Steve Gibson/Larimer County Department of Natural Resources) A prairie rattlesnake basks in the sun at Devil’s Backbone Open Space in Larimer County in 2014. This year, she said, the first sighting happened in March. She said an average of less than one bite occurs each year, and the most sightings happen between May and September, when the weather warms up. Population-wise, they’re very healthy.”įleming noted that some years seem to yield more sightings than others, though Larimer County Natural Resources doesn’t keep hard data on the number of sightings or bites. “They’re starting to eat again, they’re hungry. ![]() “It’s definitely that time of year,” Fleming told the Reporter-Herald Wednesday. Operations manager for the Devil’s Backbone, Chis Fleming, said while sightings and bites prove rare, trailgoers should know they may not be alone when embarking on a hike, bike ride or run. in particular, if you visit the image tab in google search results you may find some photos of the actual trail.Rattlesnake season has unofficially started at the Devil’s Backbone Open Space, with a few sightings reported this past weekend. You can find a lot of details on specific loops and the area in general online if you google devil's backbone colorado and things like trail map, hikes, topography, etc. The county website should provide details on when the project is happening, when access is restricted, and when it is open - see the natural resources section of the Larimer County website. If you are arriving soon, you may not be able to visit due to construction/improvements starting next week. Many people take the trail and use the upper section to go as far as the keyhole, which is a scenic and interesting feature in the backbone itself, then come back. Some drop folks at one spot and send a car to one of the waypoints for pickup. The north end of the trail connects to Blue Sky trail, which can take you all the way to Horsetooth Mountain Park (also worth a visit) at the SW edge of Fort Collins - which is about 10-12 miles. So, go however far you like, then turn back. Those trails do connect in a couple of places if you wish to go out one and come back the other. There are a couple of trail options early on - you can go higher, or stay lower - use is open to those on foot, but parts are restricted to walking, other parts can be used by those on bike or horseback. It is generally an out and back, not a loop (there are loop sub-sections). You can go as far - or not - as you wish. In some short steeper sections, there are rock steps. Parts are narrower and at an incline - either across the trail, or changes in elevation up and down as you progress. Weather can change quickly so consider taking a light jacket or extra layer. A walking stick or poles may be worth considering, along with water. Be conservative - some expend too much time and energy going out, and don't turn back soon enough. It is walkable, just mind your pace, and realize that you are at altitude, which can have a significant effect on some people.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |