Illinois’ #1 Rattlesnake Hotspot Isn’t a Lake or a River

The best way to avoid getting bitten by a rattlesnake is to spend most of your life where the rattlesnakes aren't. That's a challenge if you love the outdoors in Illinois as the top hotspot for rattlers isn't a lake or river, but one of the most popular adventure places in the state.

This is one of the many rattlesnakes you'll encounter in Illinois - It's a Timber Rattler

This angry snake was found in the Shawnee National Forest which a new ranking by World Atlas says is the number one rattlesnake hotspot in Illinois. Arguably the most beautiful part of Illinois, it spans 289,000 acres featuring oak-hickory forests which is a favorite habitat for rattlesnakes. That's a problem when the Shawnee National Forest also happens to be the most popular hiking destination not just in Illinois, but the entire region.

What can you do to avoid getting bitten by a rattlesnake in the Shawnee National Forest?

Other than my favorite hobby of staying inside all day, the best way to avoid having a problem with a rattlesnake in the Shawnee National Forest is to stay on the trails and make sure you're wearing thick boots. The rule of thumb is to never step or reach any place in that part of Illinois you can't see. A rattlesnake is rarely aggressive, but they will strike if threatened or stepped on.

If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, how long do you have to get medical help?

Healthline says you need to get treatment for a rattlesnake bite within 30 minutes. That's a problem if you're in a remote area of the Shawnee National Forest. The key is to not panic, but seek assistance as quickly as possible. If you wait too long, your bodily functions will shut down from the venom and you could lose your life. Rattlesnake bites are a serious matter and you need to be especially careful in this heavily-forested part of Illinois.