Rattlesnakes are venomous snakes that can be found under rocks on hills and mountains. They live in dry areas and will attack when they feel threatened or are hungry. They are seen most often during the spring and fall. They prefer to stay away from humans unless they are provoked and need to defend themselves. They have a tail that sounds like a rattle when they are preparing to attack or to warn that they are coming.
If you own a gun and have good aim, shoot the rattlesnake. This is the fastest way to kill the rattlesnake and poses the least amount of risk.
Sneak up behind the rattlesnake. Use an axe to chop off its head. The body will continue to move after you kill it.
Use a shovel to kill the rattlesnake. Come from behind the snake and quickly shove the end of the shovel into the neck of the rattlesnake. Make sure that you don't miss, or the snake will become more aggressive.
Club the rattlesnake. This can be dangerous if you get too close. The rattlesnake will try to bite in defense, so make sure the weapon you use to hit the snake is long enough to keep your distance from it. The rattlesnake can strike about two-thirds the length of its body. Give at least 5 feet between you and the snake.
Stay away from rattlesnakes. To avoid having to kill them, make sure your home is free of debris such as rocks and leaf piles. Keep your home clean and trim trees, shrubbery and grass. This will deter any chances of rattlesnakes finding your backyard a nice place to stay. If hiking, rattlesnakes may be seen and can be avoided by walking several feet away from them.
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Wear rubber boots to protect your feet and ankles from any attack of a rattlesnake.
Always keep a distance from the rattlesnake even when attempting to kill it so that you don't risk getting bit.
If a rattlesnake is found in your own backyard it is best to try to have it removed by a professional rather than kill it.
In some states, such as Colorado, it is illegal to kill a snake unless it is in self-defense.