More than
20 nonpoisonous species of snakes exist in Colorado, whereas only two native species
of poisonous snakes, the Western Rattlesnake and the Massassauga, inhabit the
state. Both species of poisonous snakes have rattles on the ends of their tails,
whereas native nonpoisonous snakes do not have rattles. Snakes cause a number
of concerns and conflicts for humans. Many people are afraid of them, but most
snakes are beneficial. Snakes occasionally seek and find shelter in the basement,
crawl space, or rarely on the main floor of homes. Rattlesnakes can bite and injure
people and their pets. For information on how to solve
conflicts with snakes, see the following Extension fact sheets:
For information on identifying snakes in Colorado, see the following Colorado
Herpetological Society's: Guide
to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Colorado For information on what species of snakes reside in your area
of Colorado, see the following Colorado Herpetological Society's: Guide to the
Reptiles and Amphibians of Colorado:
Index
of Colorado Counties For
information on distribution, identification and biology of amphibians
and reptiles in Colorado, see the following book: Hammerson, G.A. 1999 Amphibians
and Reptiles in Colorado, Second Edition. University Press of Colorado and Colorado
Division of Wildlife. For information on Statutes that pertain to snakes,
see the following:
Colorado Revised Statutes 33-6-107(9) "Any person may kill skunks
or rattlesnakes when necessary to protect life or property." For
information on regulations pertaining to snakes listed as non-game wildlife, see
the following: Regulations
Chapter 10 - Article 1 - 1000- A "Nongame species and subspecies,
including threatened or endangered wildlife are protected and their harassment,
taking or possession is prohibited except as follows:" (see page 1 for this
information; see page 5 for a list of snakes that are protected). For
information on regulations pertaining to season dates, daily bag and possession
limits for the Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridus viridus), see the following
site: Regulations
Chapter 3 - Article 2 - 308.5 (see pages 9 and 10.) For
additional information see: Prevention and Control of
Wildlife Damage Nonpoisonous
Snakes Rattlesnakes | 
