Contact Us

Midget faded rattlesnake sightings are found within the Green River formation of Colorado below 7,000 ft in elevation. The base color can range from a yellow brown, light brown to even reddish or pinkish. The body has several darker colored, usually brown blotches, that can be rectangular or elliptical in shape. The color patterns of adult specimen are usually faded, often not visible at all anymore. The color pattern of juvenile snakes is normally stronger and well-defined.  A typical adult is around 24 inches in length, but some may reach lengths of up to 30 inches. The head of the snake is triangular-shaped and broader than the neck. It therefore looks like an arrowhead. This is true for all venomous rattlesnakes and a great way to distinguish them from non-venomous look-alikes.

Bull snakes are the largest snake species in Colorado. They are typically 4-6 feet long, but some can get up to 8 feet. They are a heavy-bodied snake, with most being between 2-3 lbs. but some have weighed in at 10 lbs. Bull snakes are tan or cream-colored with dark brown patterned splotches. They look similar to rattlesnakes and because they sometimes move their tail to mimic, they are sometimes mistaken for them. Bull snakes have different shaped heads than rattlesnakes and are non-venomous to humans but will strike if provoked.

The western terrestrial garter snake is usually 18 to 42 inches long and weigh between 5 and 10 ounces. Most individuals have a yellow, light orange, or white dorsal stripe, accompanied by two stripes of the same color, one on each side. Some varieties have red or black spots between the dorsal stripe and the side stripes. 

A midget faded rattlesnakes' venom is lethal to humans and pets alike but interactions within the roaring fork valley are extremely rare. Although bull snakes do not harbor venom they can strike with ferocity and their saliva contains a protein that causes quite a bit of bleeding. The western terrestrial garter snake is a mildly venomous snake, although the venom only affects smaller prey like mice and is not an issue towards humans or their pets. Garter snakes are usually a sign of a well irrigated landscape.

These snake species are an integral part in diversifying our ecosystem. We here at Instinct Pest Management do not believe in the age-old adage of "the only good snake is a dead snake". While generally not considered a threat of infesting inside homes and businesses of mountain residents alike, you should still exercise caution around them. When in doubt, call the prosssssssssss!