THURMONT, Md. — As Maryland's fall colors reach their peak, the state Department of Natural Resources has an important safety reminder for leaf peepers: watch where you step.

Copperheads and rattlesnakes are currently on the move, making their way to winter hibernation spots, and their natural camouflage makes them particularly difficult to spot among fallen leaves.

"We're at the end of October here and this is the time period where all the snakes start making their way to wherever they're gonna spend the winter," said Kevin Stohlgren, a zoologist for the state of Maryland.

Kevin Stohlgren alerts hikers to watch their step Maryland Snake Safety: Fall foliage hiking tips from state zoologist

The timing creates a perfect storm for accidental encounters. Snakes blend seamlessly with autu

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