$1.00
April 29, 2021
ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
ElbertCountyNews.net
VOLUME 126 | ISSUE 12
Elbert County COVID cases on the rise Four known outbreaks reported in first three weeks of April BY TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
to be near you as much as you do not want to be near them. In most cases they will just keep passing through on their way.” In cases where the snakes are inside the home, Merten said it is be better to call local animal control offices for removal. Merten said rattlesnakes are also coming out. Rattlesnakes near homes are mostly seen in areas with nearby fields, and hills with a lot of rock ledges, he said. Clay said there are two species of rattlesnakes in Colorado, the wester, also known as the prairie, and the massasauga. Both species can be seen around developed homes or near neighborhoods on the fringes of open spaces. Wildlife experts warn residents not to touch the snake or take pictures and selfies. Whether they are
Although most statewide COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, with the exception of a mask mandate in public areas, Elbert County Public Health Director Dwayne Smith urges residents to continue exercising caution when in public spaces. The county has seen an increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases, with the highest volume of cases in 2021 being reported, including four known outbreaks in the county. “We’re still learning how vaccines will affect the spread of COVID-19,” said Smith. “It’s important to keep taking precautions, like wearing a mask, staying six feet apart from others and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces until we know more.” As of April 22, the county ranked ninth among Colorado’s 64 counties in seven-day incidence rate. According to Smith, more than 10% of all tests for COVID-19 among county residents had come back positive for infection. “This is a strong indication that the virus continues to spread at
SEE SNAKES, P13
SEE COVID, P13
A venomous prairie rattlesnake on the trail in summer in Pawnee National Grassland in northeastern Colorado near Greeley. SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE
Snakes in the grass on the move Snakes and small animals nursing babies are more active as the weather heats up BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Even with some scattered rain and snowstorms, the hint of warmer weather leads to more sightings of snakes and other small animals as they prepare for the hot summer months. Isaac Mertens, owner of Castle Rock Pest Control, said he has been receiving calls for a variety of issues since early April. Mertens said snakes and other small critters start emerging in spring. Jason Clay, of Colorado Parks
and Wildlife, said snakes follow a predictable pattern. Sheltering during the winter and resuming activity in April and early May. “Pavement and other hard surfaces such as trails are often sought out for basking. Many times, this leads to negative encounters with people and automobiles,” Clay said. “Hunting (for food) usually occurs in the late afternoon and evening once the snakes have become warm enough. When temperatures allow, rattlesnakes may also prowl for food in the early afternoon or night.” Merten has been operating in the Douglas County region for about two years. He said he mostly gets calls about bull and garden snakes, noting he recently removed a sixfoot bull snake from a family’s front yard. “They are mostly coming out into the sun and passing through yards,” he said. “They do not want
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 8 | LIFE: PAGE 10 | CALENDAR: PAGE 11
PLEASURES FOR THE PALATE
The spirit and ingredients in Cajun food P10