As temperatures rise in Arizona, people's chances of coming across rattlesnakes or other venomous creatures will also increase, but experts say common sense and education can usually prevent unwanted encounters.
Dr. Leslie Boyer is an associate professor of pathology at the University of Arizona, who is also the director of the VIPER - Venom, Immunochemistry, Pharmacology and Emergency Response- Institute.
She said that people should pay very close attention to their surroundings, and be careful where they put their feet or arms.
Rattlesnakes can sometimes be found under shrubs, trees or among rocks or other materials that may make them hard to spot.
And while the snakes can be dangerous, they are usually not deadly if people seek immediate medical attention, according to experts.
Adrian Quijada-Mascareñas, Ph.D., a researcher at the UA's School of Natural Resources and the Environment who is also in the VIPER Institute, said Arizona has 13 species of rattlesnakes that make up important components of the environment.
He said he encourages human residents to co-exist with the creatures.