Rattlesnakes are out in Colorado. Here's how to stay safe on the trails.

A healthy 31-year-old man died from a rattlesnake bite last year near Golden.

That's a fact. 

However, there are many tales about rattlesnakes that are pure fiction.

It's true rattlesnakes have already made their annual appearance in and around Fort Collins. They usually emerge around this time of year and are present into fall. City natural area rangers began putting up signs this week as reports of rattlesnakes on trails surfaced.

Timothy Hackett, veterinarian and director of CSU's Veterinary Teaching Hospital, said the facility treats 20 to 30 dogs bitten by rattlesnakes a year. And two people were already bitten by rattlesnakes in Colorado Springs

With that in mind, here are other facts about prairie rattlesnakes and what you need to know if you or your dog is bitten.

What's the likelihood of being bitten by a rattlesnake?

First, let's get this straight: It's not likely. 

According to various reports, about 2,000 people are reportedly bitten by vipers — like rattlesnakes — in the U.S. each year and about three to five people die from those bites.

You are about nine times more likely to be killed by lightning or a bee or wasp sting than to die by a snake bite.

More:5-year-old survives 'terrifying' venomous snake bite

Where are they most prevalent?

They can be found anywhere around Fort Collins, but mostly on the fringes of the city, in the foothills, and on the prairie — including in public areas like Cathy Fromme Prairie, Coyote Ridge, Pineridge, Reservoir Ridge and Bobcat Ridge, Greyrock Trail and Horsetooth Mountain Park.

How do I identify a rattlesnake from a bull snake?

• The best giveaway is if the snake has a diamond- or triangular-shaped head that is wider than its neck, it is a rattlesnake. Bull snakes look similar to rattlesnakes but their head is slimmer, the same width of its neck.
• Rattlesnakes have chunkier bodies than bull snakes, which are generally longer and slimmer.
• Both can make a rattle sound but rattlesnakes have a blunt tail, and bull snakes have a pointed tail.
• Rattlesnakes have a white-stripe pattern on their faces and bull snakes have a black eye stripe.
• Rattlesnakes have vertical eye slits and bull snakes have round pupils.

What should I do if I see a snake?

• Admire it from a distance. Rattlesnakes can strike between half and two-thirds of their body length. If you are that close, you are too close. Give the snake some room. Snakes don't chase people and dogs. They'll let you know they are there with a rattle and then try and escape.
• If the snake is rattling or coils, you are too close.
• Don't make quick moves, as that might prompt a strike. 

Viral video: Watch this huge rattlesnake slither by folks on park path

How do I protect myself and my dog?

• Wear high-top hiking boots and long pants, though these aren't snake-proof.
• Stay on the trail but be vigilant because snakes can be in the grass just off the trail, which is why you see grass mowed next to concrete trails. If you go off trail, where it is legal, don't step or reach where you can't see.
• Keep your dog on leash and don't let them walk in the grass next to the trail, where snakes can hide.
• Look before you get out of your vehicle at the parking lot, as rattlesnakes can be warming on the gravel or concrete surface.
• Making loud noises doesn't help. Rattlesnakes can't hear but know you are there through vibrations of your footsteps.
• Some businesses offer snake avoidance training classes for dogs

How do I know if I've been bitten?

• The bites can be painful, but aren't always.
• Usually you will experience fang marks, swelling and large, bloody or dark-colored blisters forming in the bite area. The latter two indicate the bite was venomous. Some bites are dry, with no venom injected. Some bites only contain a small amount of venom.
• You might also feel nauseated and have difficulty breathing or have disturbed vision. Severe cases can include shock, low blood pressure and internal bleeding. 

More:Man tries to eat rattlesnake; snake bites back

What should I do if I'm bitten or my dog is?

• By far the most important thing is to seek medical attention as quickly as possible. If you have cellphone service, use it to call 911 if you are bitten — not your dog. Thirty minutes or sooner is optimal for medical attention. The longer you wait, the worse conditions can be for you or your pet.
• It's easier said than done, but remain as calm as possible. An accelerated heart rate is a bad thing.
• If possible, keep the bite area lower than your heart to avoid venom movement through blood flow. If you are with someone, have them call or hike out to get help. However, if you have to hike out to seek medical attention, do it, but walk, don't run.
• If the bite is on the hand or arm, immediately remove rings, watches or anything that is restrictive.
• If your dog is bitten, carry them out if possible.
• Do not ice, use a tourniquet, try to suck out the venom or try to catch the snake for identification. 

Where do I take my dog if it is bitten?

Ask your veterinarian if their office carries the antivenin before you go out. Cost is about $300 to $500 per dose and treatment can include several doses as well as other medical care. Several places in town regularly carry the antivenin, including:

• Chappelle Small Animal Hospital: 1601 North U.S. Highway 287. Phone: 970-482-7595
• Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, 300 W. Drake Road. Phone 970-297-5000. Emergency care 24/7
• Fort Collins Veterinary Emergency and Rehabilitation Hospital, 816 S. Lemay Ave. Phone 970-484-8080. Emergency care 24/7
• Raintree Animal Hospital, 2335 S. Shields St. Phone: 970-482-1987
• Wellington Veterinary Hospital, 7837 6th St., Wellington. Phone 970-568-7387

7837 6th Street

Wellington, CO 80549