Rattlesnakes appearing on trails in Westmoreland County

LIGONIER, Pa. — Several people in Westmoreland County have run into rattlesnakes recently.

A mother spotted one on a trail on Ligonier State Game Lands while taking a hike with her 3-year-old son.

She said she's never seen one in the five years she's been living there.

TRENDING NOW:

• Survivor of crash that killed 3 expected to be released from hospital today
• Pennsylvania Senate approves higher taxes to balance budget
• Friends remember 3 women killed in Bethel Park crash
• VIDEOS: Players appearing in Latrobe for Steelers training camp

"We've never seen them, so it was pretty crazy," said Tara Hassler. "No sooner did my husband pick my son up that we almost stepped on a coiled rattlesnake and we were terrified."

Two rattlesnakes were within 20 feet of each other off of Kissel Spring Road on the land she hikes nearly every day.

"I let him run wild to get energy out and it never once occurred to me that there's rattlesnakes around, especially two rattlesnakes," Hassler said.

The Fish and Boat Commission said timber rattlesnakes are known to the area and can be common in more rustic residential areas.

They've taken several calls recently, including one in Linn Run State Park where there are snake dens.

The commission said timber rattlesnakes aren't aggressive, but if you do come across one, they say, stay vigilant, keep your distance and do not provoke it.

"We just have to appreciate nature and steer clear of them," Hassler said. "But I have snake boots now and I need to invest in a full jumpsuit for him."

Cox Media Group