Actually Illegal In Utah To Kill This Frightening Predator

Leave the Snakes Alone 

There are five kinds of rattlesnakes that call Utah their home with the Great Basin rattlesnake being the most common. They can be found at all elevations in the rocks and brush and can be identified by the flat rattle on the tail. 

Because rattle snakes are important to the ecosystem in Utah they are protected. Without rattlesnakes the rodent population would climb and cause all sorts of problems. Snakes play a vital role in the deserts and mountains of Utah. 

You Can Be Charged for Taking Out a Snake 

If you kill a rattlesnake, you can be charged with a class B misdemeanor. It will also include a fine of up to $2500 dollars. In the case you were threatened by the snake, the penalty can be waved for this exception.  

Sometimes a snake may end up in your yard. If you kill it, you can dispose of it in the trash can and you do not have to notify the DWR according to this article from KSL. Rattlesnakes may be attracted to your yard if you have debris piles or lots of rodents. 

Read More: Don't Bring Snake Into the Hospital if Bitten in Utah

Snake bites are pretty rare in Utah. They don’t want to be around humans as much as we don’t want to be around them. If you see a rattlesnake on a trail or in the rocks, give it a wide birth and warn anyone else approaching. You can skip the fine and keep the ecosystem in balance.