Temperatures have remained warm this fall, meaning many snakes may still be active as hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts take to the field. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation cautions that the chances of an encounter rise with increasing time spent in snake habitat.

Biologists across the state remind hunters to always watch their step.

“A lot of people, especially if they’re scouting for deer hunting, they’re going to be looking 30 or 50 yards out for habitat and topographical features,” said Curt Allen, senior biologist at eastern Oklahoma's Cookson Wildlife Management Area. “Just go slow enough that you have time to also look where you’re walking.”

Ron Smith, a regional supervisor, has encountered snakes, including rattlesnakes, throughout the year at western Oklahoma's Sandy Sanders WMA.

“We tell everyone to keep one eye on the ground and watch where they’re stepping – not only for the snakes but for the terrain in general.

“And if they’re going to sit down and do any glassing or binocular work, they really need to pay attention before they sit down. That’s not something people are used to doing; most don’t look in a 5-foot circle around them for snakes before settling in, but it’s a good thing to do.”

No matter the location or the snake encountered, biologists recommend slowly backing away, looking and listening for any other snakes that may be in the area, and going around the animal.

“Just give it enough room to see if it’s going to lay there or move,” said Smith. “Let it go on about its business and then take a different course. Let it zig, and then you zag.

Learn about Oklahoma’s snakes and get more tips for avoiding unwanted snake encounters at wildlifedepartment.com.