Rattlesnakes are done hibernating for the winter and are becoming more active. Most bites occur during activities like gardening or taking out trash.

Carry a walking stick but never disturb a snake with it. Try not to disturb or frighten a rattlesnake so that the next hiker encounters an agitated snake which may strike without rattling.

Leave the area safely: Once you've safely distanced yourself from the rattlesnake, carefully leave the area. Avoid walking through tall grass, rocky areas, or other places where snakes may hide ...

Warm weather leads to more copperhead and rattlesnake activity in Charlotte ... Poke around at the ground in front of you with a long stick when moving through tall grass or weeds to scare ...