Shocking Warning For People Who Enjoy The Rail Trail in New York

Residents in the Hudson Valley are being advised to exercise caution while using the Rail Trail.

The Rail Trail is one of the coolest things about being in the Hudson Valley, It's a great place to go and workout and because of all the beautiful scenery it doesn't even feel like a workout when you're doing it. At all times of the day you'll notice people running, walking, listening to music or just trying to escape a busy day on the Rail Trail.

Recently, a pretty shocking warning went up for Hudson Valley residents and it's about taking extra precautions on the trail.

Why should people be extra careful on the Rail Trail in the Hudson Valley?

The Town of Millerton Facebook Page recently put up a post explaining that Rattlesnakes have been spotted on the Rail Trail and they asking people to be extra cautious and to be mindful of their surrondings.

Yikes, who would have thought there'd be Rattlesnakes around here?

Why would Rattlesnakes be appearing on the Rail Trail in New York?

According to officials, they are cold-blooded and they seek out warmth when they get too cold. The Rail Trail is a perfect spot for them to get warm with all the rocks and pavement around it and on it. Plus, there are parts of the Rail Trail that are pretty desolate so the Rattlesnakes won't get disrupted while they are trying to get warm.

What are some safety tips for preventing Rattlesnake encounters?

Here are a few things you should keep in mind while you're on the Rail Trail these days:

• Limit the use of headphones
• Pay extra attention around you
• Do NOT touch, pickup or kill any Rattlesnakes
• Keep your dog on a leash
• Try to walk/run with a buddy so you're not alone

Nobody is trying to scare anyone, but it is important everyone understands the importance of the warning and how to prepare.

What should you do if you get bit by a Rattlesnake?

I hope this never happens to anyone around here and we don't need to worry about this at all. However, in case it does here's what your supposed to if you are bitten by a Rattlesnake:

• Remain calm and rest until help arrives (You want to keep your heartbeat slow)
• Remove any jewelry or tight clothing that could make swelling worse
• DO NOT cut, suck, apply ice or bleed the bite
• DO NOT drive yourself to the hospital
• Call 911 and wait for help

Fingers crossed we never need to do any of this, but again we need to know and understand the danger of Rattlesnakes.

It's pretty crazy though, there have been a lot of snake sightings over the past few years in the Hudson Valley. This literally looks like something straight out of a horror movie....here's a snake that was spotted right in Ulster County and it's something I hope I never see again. Here's another snake that was spotted in the Hudson Valley and again it was found right in someone's yard. I think that's all the snake talk I take for now...

I do have to say this though, please don't harm any snakes...just let them be.

Speaking of spooky things, here are some very creepy wooded areas that would be perfect to film a horror movie in: