Colorado Wildlife officials warn of rattlesnake encounters as the reptiles wake up this spring

COLORADO – As millions of Americans get more comfortable with the spring warmth, the emergence of sleeping reptiles is occurring in places such as Colorado, wildlife experts warn the public.

The spring months of March and April are typically when rattlesnakes emerge from brumation, as members of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife are warning people to be cautious while spending time outdoors.

According to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, rattlesnakes are usually very forgiving during an encounter and will stay away before they resort to a venomous bite in self-defense.

"During the coldest months of the year, they shelter in winter dens and usually resume activity in late March or early April," read a statement from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. "Once active, adult snakes may migrate several kilometers from their dens in search of food."

It’s often during these times of migration that these snakes use pavement and other hard surfaces, such as trails, for basking in the sun.

Unfortunately, this often leads to encounters with people, as rattlesnakes hunt in the late afternoon and evening once conditions are warm enough.

The typical diet of a rattlesnake consists of small mammals, lizards, birds, spadefoot toads, and sometimes carrion, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

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Wildlife experts suggest these tips if you encounter this dangerous reptile: 

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Members of the National Park Service provide tips on staying safe while outdoors:

Stepping back just a couple of feet could be enough to convince a rattlesnake that you are no longer a threat.

If you are walking with a dog or children in a wilderness environment prone to rattlesnakes, be sure to keep them very close by and don’t let them climb over rocks or through brush-filled areas.

It is worth keeping a dog on a shorter leash and avoiding letting them sniff in holes and rock piles, where snakes may live.

These creatures are not built for speed and will lie still waiting for hours or even days for a prey animal to pass by.

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Due to their coloration and hunting traits, these creatures can blend into their surroundings very well, making them easy to stumble upon, and this could be a deadly mistake.