Rattlesnake on 14ers?

Dogs, dogs and even some cats
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ker0uac
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Re: Rattlesnake on 14ers?

Post by ker0uac »

Thanks for all the answers.

How about easy hikes in Evergreen, Morrison and Golden? I heard that North Table has lots of them during Spring and Summer.
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Re: Rattlesnake on 14ers?

Post by ker0uac »


My girls received rattlesnake vaccine for several years while living and hiking in a rattlesnake dense area. The vaccine shelf life is only pertinent to the veterinarian administering it, so it doesn't matter to the dog owner. The first shot requires a booster shot two weeks later, then just one shot a year. It is not a vaccine like a virus vaccine, it doesn't always work and it doesn't cover all rattlesnake venoms. The best it can do is slightly reduce the reaction and lengthen the time one has to get their bitten dog to a vet to receive anti-venom. The vaccine does not cover all the rattlesnake species present in Colorado, you'll have to check with your vet to find out which species it is for.

I can't remember exactly the cost, but I think it was $30 per dog once a year for a 60 pound dog. There are training courses for dogs/owners to help avoid rattlesnake bites which is probably more valuable than the vaccine. Although, the vaccine plus training is the best option if hiking in rattlesnake country is unavoidable.
I will definitely get the vaccine. Despite low efficacy, the cost/benefit is not bad. I am considering taking him to the rattlesnake avoidance training. It's a little controversial in today's PC world, but I think my pup is too curious and adventurous to let snakes go with just positive training.
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nsaladin
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Re: Rattlesnake on 14ers?

Post by nsaladin »

Saw a couple photos and videos from last season of a rattlesnake just below the Mt. Lindsey TH on the road.
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Mtnman200
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Re: Rattlesnake on 14ers?

Post by Mtnman200 »

I have yet to see a rattlesnake in Colorado, and I've been doing 13ers and 14ers since 1970. Rattlers are extremely low on my list of concerns in the mountains.
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Re: Rattlesnake on 14ers?

Post by mtree »

A friend of mine caught a FATTY at his home outside Blackhawk a few years ago. Elevation of 8400 feet. He kept it for awhile. Pretty cool to have a "pet" rattlesnake. So they're out there in some favorable microclimates. Just very rare.

But its needless worry if you're hiking 14ers...or 13ers...or 12ers.
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Re: Rattlesnake on 14ers?

Post by dwoodward13 »

ker0uac wrote: Wed Mar 11, 2020 10:05 am Thanks for all the answers.

How about easy hikes in Evergreen, Morrison and Golden? I heard that North Table has lots of them during Spring and Summer.
Ya they are all over in the foothills parks, especially the more wide open parks such as Green Mountain (Lakewood). I'd guess there's less of a chance of a run in a bit higher in Evergreen. I've ran into 2 on Mt. Morrision on the same hike once.
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Re: Rattlesnake on 14ers?

Post by peter303 »

I am waiting for the first rattlesnake claim to summit every 14er.
We have had at least one dog already.
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Re: Rattlesnake on 14ers?

Post by Harmit »

The rattlesnake vaccine, produced by Red Rock Biologics, is specifically designed to produce antibodies against the venom of the western diamondback rattlesnake. The vaccine may also be effective against other snakes with similar venom, such as the sidewinder, timber rattlesnake, and copperhead. The vaccine does not protect against the venom of water moccasins or coral snakes.
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rijaca
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Re: Rattlesnake on 14ers?

Post by rijaca »

Almost all the rattlesnakes in CO are prairie rattlesnakes. No western diamondbacks in CO.
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Re: Rattlesnake on 14ers?

Post by Harmit »

Indeed...here is nice summary of our rattly friends in Colorado...https://pawsathomecare.com/blog/rattles ... -colorado/
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Re: Rattlesnake on 14ers?

Post by gzrrnnr »

We found a dead prairie rattler at the Huron Winfield TH two summers ago. The TH is over 10,000'.
Laura M
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Re: Rattlesnake on 14ers?

Post by Laura M »

justiner wrote: Tue Mar 10, 2020 11:24 pm They're all over the place near the Flatirons/Eldo. But that's certainly not 14er territory.
I've had multiple encounters with them near NCAR after descending from Bear Peak, including once almost walking smack into a pair that was mating right in the middle of the trail.

They're also all over the Westminster off-leash dog park, so I never take my girl there spring through fall.
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