Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin There are 63 national parks in the United States and almost all of them have at least a few species ...
[+] of reptiles. Here are two parks, among many, where specific caution against dangerous reptiles should be exercised. getty For all of its wildlife, Yellowstone National Park is somewhat impoverished in its reptile fauna.
There are only five species of snakes that can be found in the park’s two million acres of real estate. Head even further north, to parks such as Glacier National Park, with only three reptile species, or Denali National Park, where you won’t find a single reptilian species. It’s too cold for their ectothermic nature.
That said, there are plenty of national parks that appeal to reptile-lovers like myself. And there are several where you need to be on high guard due to the sheer volume of dangerous reptile species. Here are two parks in the United States that get my vote for the “don’t come without cowboy boots and thick jeans” prize.
1. Saguaro National Park (Arizona) Saguaro National Park has six species of deadly rattlesnakes, not to mention the many other menacing ..
. [+] creatures that inhabit its desert landscape. getty When it comes to finding deadly reptiles, geography is everything.
Arizona’s Saguaro National Park is situated in the Sonoran desert, which is known for its diversity of dangerous snakes and other reptiles. MORE FOR YOU An ‘Imminent’ Stock Market ‘Correction’ Warning Suddenly Flashed Red—Just As The S&P 500, The Dow And The Nasdaq Hit Record Highs Every Big Name Urging Biden To Drop Out: 19 Democrats In Congress Go Public Billionaire Biden Donor Blasts White House’s Treatment Of Tesla After Musk’s Apparent Trump Donation There are six species of rattlesnakes that can be found in the park’s perimeter: the Arizona black rattlesnake, western diamondback rattlesnake, tiger rattlesnake, sidewinder, Mojave rattlesnake and black-tailed rattlesnake. You can also find the Sonoran coral snake in the park, another venomous snake species.
The Mojave rattlesnake is known to have exceptionally potent venom. Its typical prey includes ..
. [+] rodents, lizards and birds, but it has the ability to deliver a lethal dose of venom to an adult human. getty function loadConnatixScript(document) { if (!window.
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The dangers posed by deadly reptiles is not a reason to avoid visiting Saguaro National Park. It is a beautiful place, defined by the majestic saguaro cacti that dominate the landscape. The park's diverse desert scenery includes rolling hills, rugged mountain ranges, and broad valleys, offering dramatic vistas and colorful sunsets.
Its rich biodiversity, featuring various desert plants and wildlife, enhances the visual appeal, while a clear, dark sky provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. The park's cultural and historical significance, including ancient petroglyphs and historic sites, adds to its allure, making it a must-visit among national parks. To reduce your chances of coming in contact with a dangerous reptile, the park offers the following guidance: If you see a rattlesnake, stay at least ten feet away from it Don’t harass or try to kill snakes Wear solid boots and loose-fitting pants when hiking Don’t put your hands or feet where your eyes haven’t been Use a flashlight after dark It’s also worth pointing out that injuries from animals/wildlife are exceptionally rare–and mainly occur when park visitors don’t follow the rules.
Drownings, motor vehicle accidents, and falls are much more common sources of danger for the millions of people who visit national parks each year. 2. Everglades National Park (Florida) Everglades National Park is home to thousands of these large prehistoric reptiles.
getty There’s a higher density of venomous snakes west of the Mississippi River than east of it. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, for instance, has only two species of venomous snakes : the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead. The southeastern region of the United States, however, has something equally perilous: American alligators and American crocodiles.
This is why I’d put Everglades National Park next to Saguaro National Park on the list of national parks with the deadliest reptiles (no disrespect to other parks of the Southwest, including Death Valley, Joshua Tree and Grand Canyon). Aside from alligators and crocodiles, you can find a raft of venomous snakes in Everglades National Park, such as the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, Florida cottonmouth and eastern coral snake. And, though they are not venomous, there’s also plenty of non-native giant Burmese pythons now inhabiting South Florida that you would not want to tussle with.
In some ways, Everglades National Park offers a time-machine trip back to the era when reptiles ruled the roost. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is generally considered the most dangerous snake of the ..
. [+] Everglades due to its venom potency and size (reaching up to 8 feet in length). getty Here’s what the National Park Service recommends to stay safe from crocodiles and alligators when visiting the park: “Crocodilians are one of the reasons people visit the park, however, these are wild animals that can be dangerous to humans.
Keep a safe and respectable distance of at least 15 feet. If an animal is hissing, you are too close, even if it is more than 15 feet. Alligators and crocodiles are more active at night and do most of their hunting from dusk to dawn.
Although they may look like a statue at times, they are alive and alert and can react lightning fast. Touching an alligator is never a good idea. Feeding or harassing an animal, including throwing objects at it, is a criminal offense that carries a fine.
Any action that alters the natural behaviors of an animal is harassment.” Again, remember that a fear of animals is never a good reason not to go enjoy one of America’s pristine national parks. As long as you follow the rules and take necessary precautions, you’ll be perfectly safe.
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