Caught on Camera: Rattlesnake Spotted at Smith Rock State Park

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A video of a rattlesnake spotted by members of SmithRock.com is going viral and reminding park visitors to remain vigilant for wild animals.

In a Facebook post, SmithRock.com wrote the following message:

This 3 foot long rattler didn’t make a sound along the Canyon Trail this morning as it meandered along side the trail before parking itself by a shady stump. We filmed it (at a safe distance with maximum phone camera zoom) as it disappeared in and out of the grasses. This shows select parts of its 5 minute slow slither. Most of the time it was hard to track. Tread carefully, stay on the trail, and watch where you sit. They just want to be in the shade, so keep those pets on leash and close by.

According to Think Wild, "It’s important to remember that rattlesnakes only bite as a defensive mechanism and, when threatened, will first vibrate their rattle as a warning. They are just as scared of you as you are of them, if not more. The best thing you can do is give them space."

SmithRock.com is an independent resource for adventurers that visit Smith Rock State Park.