Rattlesnake Bite Sends Lory State Park Hiker to Hospital via Helicopter
A hiker at Lory State Park was airlifted to a hospital for antivenom treatment October 12 after suffering a rattlesnake bite, prompting Poudre Fire Authority to remind outdoor enthusiasts about venomous snake safety as fall recreation continues across Northern Colorado foothills.
PFA firefighters responded to the incident and assisted Lory State Park Rangers, Larimer County Rangers, Larimer County Sheriff's Office and UCHealth in treating the patient before UCHealth LifeLine helicopter transported them for specialized medical care. The patient's condition and specific location within the park were not disclosed.
The incident marks one of only a handful of rattlesnake bites requiring medical attention at the popular state park each year, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife incident records.
Western Rattlesnakes Inhabit Lory's Lower Elevations
Lory State Park, which ranges from 5,150 to 6,855 feet in elevation, provides prime habitat for Western rattlesnakes along its southeast quadrant where foothill shrublands, shortgrass prairie and rocky outcrops create ideal conditions for the species.
The Western rattlesnake, also called the prairie rattlesnake, is the only venomous snake species documented in Larimer County's foothills and at Lory State Park, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The snakes prefer rocky outcrops, open grasslands and transitional areas between ponderosa pine forest and lower shrub-steppe terrain prominent on the park's south and east slopes.
Wildlife surveys estimate moderate population densities of one to five rattlesnakes per acre in suitable habitat patches within the park's eastern sections, particularly along Arthur's Rock Trail, South Valley Loop and Timber Trail, according to CPW density data.
Snake Activity Peaks Through October
Western rattlesnakes remain active in Northern Colorado from April through late October, with peak above-ground foraging occurring from mid-May through September. The snakes emerge from hibernation in spring and return to dens in late October as temperatures drop.
Encounters most frequently occur during dawn and dusk hours when snakes are hunting or basking near trails and rocky areas. The defensive reptiles typically rely on camouflage and warning rattles rather than aggressive behavior unless threatened at close range, according to CPW species documentation.
Data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment shows Larimer County averages two to four medically treated rattlesnake bites per year, with the vast majority occurring between May and September during peak outdoor recreation seasons. Lory State Park specifically sees zero to two bites annually requiring medical attention.
Antivenom Treatment Costs Thousands
Northern Colorado hospitals including UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies, Poudre Valley Hospital and Banner Health North Colorado Medical Center maintain stocks of CroFab, the FDA-approved rattlesnake antivenom used for treating envenomations.
Standard emergency protocols include patient stabilization, IV fluids, pain management, wound monitoring and antivenom administration for symptomatic patients. Approximately 70 to 80 percent of regional bites result in moderate envenomation requiring antivenom and overnight hospitalization, though intensive care is rarely needed, according to CDPHE surveillance data.
Treatment costs for rattlesnake bites typically range from $18,000 to $42,000 depending on dosing requirements and insurance coverage, according to UCHealth billing estimates. UCHealth LifeLine helicopter transport adds $12,500 to $18,000 per activation before insurance adjustments.
No rattlesnake bite fatalities have been documented in Larimer County within the past 20 years, according to public health records.
Safety Precautions Reduce Encounter Risks
PFA emphasized that outdoor enthusiasts can significantly reduce rattlesnake encounter risks through basic safety precautions while hiking, running or biking in foothills terrain.
Recommended safety measures include staying alert on trails, sticking to marked paths, watching foot and ankle placement especially around rocks and tall grass, wearing sturdy leather boots and long pants, and keeping dogs leashed at all times.
If hikers hear a rattle, they should stop immediately, locate the snake visually, and slowly back away without provoking or approaching the animal. Rattlesnakes typically strike only when they feel cornered or threatened.
Lory State Park encompasses 2,479 acres of Front Range foothills west of Fort Collins, offering hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and rock climbing opportunities. The park attracts approximately 200,000 visitors annually to its trail system and backcountry camping areas.
Visitors encountering rattlesnakes or other wildlife emergencies at Lory State Park should contact park rangers immediately or call 911 for medical emergencies requiring immediate response.