English Culture Videos

"Hiking Safety"

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Instructions: Watch this video and answer the questions. Then, read the script at the bottom of the page.

There are _____ different species of rattlesnakes in Utah.

eight

six

seven

According to Randall, you can sometimes find them ____.

next to streams

under rocks

in the open

It is illegal to kill them in Utah unless ____.

you feel in danger

they go after your animals

you need them for food

If you encounter a rattlesnake, you should ____.

call the police for help

relax and walk around it

push it away with a stick

Online Investigations and Discussion Questions

What are some of the best places to hike in your area or country? Are their any special precautions people should take when visiting that area including any of the following? Use the Internet to help you collect this information.

When is the best time of day to visit?
Should people wear any special clothing, footware, or sun protection?
What food or water should people carry with them?
Are there any animals or insects that people should be aware of before they go?
Is there an entrance fee to visit, and if so, how much does it cost?

Video Script

Hi, I'm Randall, and one of my favorite outdoor activities is running through nature, and it can be very fun, but you also have to be careful. And in Utah, there are eight rattlesnake species. They CAN bite; they CAN be dangerous. You often find them under rocks, uh, so you don't wanna . . . you just want to be careful and calm where you're going.

However, rattlesnakes are so important to the environment because they control pests, for example, rodents and mice, and uh, since 1989, it is illegal to kill rattlesnakes unless your life is threatened.

So, if you go out into the wild, and you see a rattlesnake, just be calm, walk around it, give it space, just leave it alone.