If you approach a snake, back up slowly and find another route to your destination. Reptiles are cold-blooded animals and can be found on the south sides of rocks during spring and fall months. When hiking, watch where you put your feet and hands. Step on, not over, obstacles such as logs or large rocks. Gila monsters are native to the southern Utah deserts, but are rarely seen and pose no threat unless you try to pick one up.
Rattlesnakes are more common, but are usually encountered away from populated areas.
Rattlesnakes make a rapid succession of clicking sounds by shaking their tails to let you know of their presence. If you hear a snake rattle, locate where the sound is coming from before you back away. You can identify a rattlesnake by the shape of its head or the markings on its back. If you encounter a snake, and you aren t sure if it is a rattler, leave it alone anyway. Snakes help keep rodent populations in balance and mean no harm to you.