Rattlesnake bites are spiking on Utah's trails

Driving the news: University of Utah Hospital has treated almost double the typical number of snake bites in its ER so far this year, Fox 13 reports.

• As of last week, 17 bite victims had sought help, compared to eight or nine in a typical year.

Be smart: Hike with closed-toed shoes, and keep dogs and kids on the trail, wildlife officers say.

What to look for: If you see a snake with dark markings down its back, it's probably the more common (and nonvenomous) gopher snake, per the state wildlife office.

• Gopher snakes have long snouts and round pupils, while rattlesnakes have broad, triangular heads and vertical slits for pupils — and, of course, the rattle on the tail.

Zoom in: The Great Basin rattlesnakes of Utah are generally considered less aggressive than many other species.

• Far more bites occur in southeastern states.

Yes, but: They still hurt. A lot.

What they're saying: Years ago, in South Dakota, I heard my favorite description of a rattlesnake bite from a victim on the local news:

• "It felt like someone was beating my hand with a hammer. For a week."

If you get bitten: Call 911, remove all tight jewelry before swelling begins, and keep the bite lower than your heart, the U.S. Forest Service advises.