Local

Wildlife officials warn NC hikers of rattlesnake danger

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Wildlife officials have a word of warning for hikers in the mountains this summer -- be on the lookout for rattlesnakes.

The venomous serpents are being spotted on even the most well-traveled trails.

Most rattlesnakes will warn you before they strike by rattling their tail.

But if you are bitten, this is what you need to know: "There's a high probability that it's going to be what we call a dry bite -- which they don't even give venom -- but they're just using it as a defense mechanism," said Joanne Willoughby with the WNC Nature Center.

You won't know whether it's a dry bite until you have it checked out though, so seek medical attention immediately.