The Crestone Eagle, October 2007:

Rattlesnake found in Crestone
by Keno

On Sunday morning, September 9, Richard Enzer and Dana Hollifield spotted what appeared to be a young bull snake sunning itself right in the middle of the road, next to the island at the entrance to the Baca. They decided to stop and move it off of the road for its own safety, but boy were they surprised to see, once out of their truck, that it was no bull snake—they were dealing with a rattlesnake, and he coiled in defense. There have been a few unsubstantiated reports of rattlers in theCrestone area in the past. There are rattlers on the other side of the Valley.

What was spotted was a rattlesnake for sure. “It coiled and you couldn’t help but notice the spade shaped head and of course, those rattlers on the tail” said Enzer. This snake, about 20” in length, had a nice set of fangs, and was defensive. After killing it, they counted only three rattles, which usually means that it is a young rattler. As Enzer described, “it was fat and healthy.” It is true the younger rattlesnakes are more dangerous than older rattlers. The community should take notice, since this snake more than likely was born here.

Still, you cannot tell the age of a rattlesnake by the number of rattles on its tail, as some believe, so we can’t be sure if this one was a baby or not. However, after talking in length with Ron Rivele of the DOW, it sounds like this was a young rattler, and if it was, mom and dad and other rattlesnakes are more than likely living here too.

Why are there rattlesnakes in the Crestone/Baca area? Well, it appears to be connected to climate change. “I’m not surprised they are now in Crestone” said Rivele, “the Valley and Crestone area is much drier than it was two decades ago.”

Rivele also thinks that in the coming years, we will see a slight increase in rattlers in our area, too. Expect more sightings and be aware that along with the bears, mountain lions, deer, coyotes and other wildlife in the Crestone area, rattlesnakes are now our neighbors, too.

Remember when sighting a snake, look carefully for a full identification. Move slowly from its area. Do not not make aggressive moves such as approaching it. If a suspected rattlesnake is near your home, call Monte Vista DOW at 719-587-6900 for information. Please do not kill any snake regardless of identification. They are our neighbors and have a purpose as do all living creatures on this earth.

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