A dog’s close call with a rattlesnake at Foothills Community Park has Boulder police urging residents to keep a sharp eye on the ground during outings. The department said the dog, bitten last Wednesday, is expected to be okay and urged people to stay observant along trails, rock outcrops and tall grass. Officials emphasized that most rattlesnake bites happen when the animals are surprised or provoked.
According to Denver Gazette, the department posted the warning on Facebook, noting the bite happened at City of Boulder's Foothills Community Park and that the animal will recover. The Gazette reported the post was meant to remind residents, not alarm them, to be cautious in parts of the city where snakes can blend into the landscape.
How to spot and avoid rattlesnakes
Per Colorado Parks and Wildlife, rattlesnakes often rely on camouflage and will typically ignore people. If a snake coils and rattles, you are too close and should move away slowly. The agency recommends watching where you place your hands and feet, keeping at least five feet of distance, wearing sturdy footwear and avoiding headphones so you can hear warning rattles. If a person or pet is bitten, CPW says to treat it as a medical emergency and call 911 immediately.
Tips for dog owners
Per City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, dog guardians should leash pets in sensitive areas, avoid prairie dog burrows, and steer clear of rock piles and tall grass where snakes may hide. The city's guidance also points to its Voice and Sight program for controlled off-leash access and other trail rules. If a pet is bitten, Colorado State University Veterinary Health and veterinary experts advise removing the collar, keeping the animal calm, transporting it to an emergency veterinarian as quickly as possible, and calling ahead to check whether antivenom is available.
