*Originally published in May 2020
Updated on June 12, 2023:

Ah, yes! It’s finally springtime—and summer's not too far behind! So, we wanted to give you a piece of advice. Check your pool noodles. Seriously. Picture this: you go outside to your pool, lay your towel down on a chair, and maybe fix yourself a drink or two. Then, you grab your pool noodle, and … there’s a snake hiding inside?!

That’s what happened to one family in Arizona a few years ago. They kept their pool noodles against the wall next to their pool, and when they wanted to use them, they found young rattlesnakes living inside. (Yes, plural.) Luckily, no one was bitten!

The Buckeye Fire Department took advantage and shared more information.

"One of the worst things you can do when coming across a rattlesnake is to start panicking," they shared on their Facebook page. "Snakes rely on vibrations in the ground to determine where you are. If you start moving fast and abruptly, you’ll only scare the snake more."

After you breathe and stay calm, give the rattlesnake a lot of space and wait, as the rattlesnake is more likely to slither away on its own. Although, admittedly, pool noodles do make for nice, foamy beds. Also, make sure your pool noodles aren't placed anywhere around bushes or blocking any fences.

One tip that may not be so obvious is never to approach a dangerous animal for a photograph. It’s not worth risking your safety for the perfect shot for Instagram. It can be disrespectful and dangerous, as this woman learned. Animals will and can retaliate when they feel threatened. Keep a safe distance between you and any dangerous wildlife.

Also, don’t touch wild animals. As cute as Bambi may be, Mom or Dad could be close by. Most state parks warn to never feed the wildlife either because animals need to stay wild to survive. If they grow accustomed to strangers feeding them, it could potentially harm the animal more than you think.

While most people take their dogs (and even cats) hiking, it may not be a good idea to bring them outdoors to where active wildlife is. It would be safer to leave Buddy or Princess at home. However, leashes are always recommended on the trails.