Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks alerts public of increased rattlesnake activity

With warm weather and flooded areas across Kansas, the KDWP field staff have noticed more rattlesnake activity than usual. And with several hunting seasons underway or starting soon, it’s a good time to be extra mindful while outdoors.

Venomous snakes, including several rattlesnake species and copperheads, are found in Kansas, but most snakes you’ll encounter are nonvenomous. All snakes play an important role in our ecosystems, and snakebites in Kansas are rarely fatal with effective treatment available.

They remind you that you can stay safe outdoors by, watching your step, being cautious around logs or rocks, and giving snakes space if you see one

If bitten by a venomous snake, don’t forget to Stay calm to slow the spread of venom, call 911 or get to a hospital quickly, but don’t try to drive yourself–it’s not necessary to catch or kill the snake.

The antivenoms used in the U.S. treat all pit viper bites.