Rattlesnake awareness for a safe summer outdoors

Published on May 21, 2026

Summer is here, and so is the chance of encountering a rattlesnake on Superior's trails. Rattlesnakes are a vital part of our ecosystem, controlling rodent populations and signaling a healthy habitat, but it's good to know what to do if you cross paths with one.

To identify a rattlesnake, look for spotted coloring with a white outline around the spots and white stripes on the face, and listen for the telltale rattle. Bites are rare; rattlesnakes are slow-moving and prefer to conserve their venom for hunting.

On the trail:

• Wear closed-toed shoes and long pants.
• Skip the headphones and stay alert to your surroundings.
• Carry ID and a charged phone.
• If you hear a rattle, freeze until you locate the snake, then leave it alone. Most bites occur when people try to interact with the snake.

If someone is bitten, stay calm, call 911, remove tight clothing in case of swelling, and do not attempt to handle the snake. If your dog is bitten, carry them to the car if possible, minimize their movement, and call the emergency vet ahead so anti-venom can be prepared. Never cut, suck or apply ice to the wound.

Stay aware and happy hiking!