As temperatures soar and people head outside to hike and engage in
other outdoor activities, encounters with snakes are almost expected.
According to the Department of Fish and Game, California has a
variety of snakes, most of which are benign. The exception is
California’s only native venomous snake - the rattlesnake.
California rattlesnake species include the northern Pacific
rattlesnake (in northern California), and the Western Diamondback,
Sidewinder, Speckled rattlesnake, Red Diamond rattlesnake, Southern
Pacific, Great Basin rattlesnake and the Mojave rattlesnake (all found
in Southern California). Though rattlesnakes are dangerous if provoked,
they also provide humans with a tremendous service because they eat
rodents, other reptiles and insects.
On rare occasions, rattlesnakes can cause serious injury to humans.
According to the California Poison Control Center, rattlesnakes account
for more than 800 bites each year and one to two deaths.
Most bites occur between the months of April and October when snakes
and humans are most active outdoors. About 25 percent of the bites are
“dry,” meaning, no venom was injected, but the bites still require
medical treatment.
The potential of running into a rattlesnake should not deter anyone
from venturing outdoors. However, there are several precautions that
can be taken to lessen the chance of being bitten when out in snake
country–which is just about anywhere in California.
Dos and don’ts in snake countryRattlesnakes are
not always confined to trails or rural areas. They have been found near
urban areas, in rivers, lakeside parks and at golf courses.
Be also aware that startled rattlesnakes may not rattle before striking defensively.
"Heed the warning if you hear the snake’s rattle, slowly back away
and leave the rattlesnake alone," said Brand. "Rattlesnakes are
naturally shy and do not want to bite people, but they won’t hesitate if
they feel threatened."
The Department of Fish and Game shares some safety measures to reduce the likelihood of startling a rattlesnake:
- Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking through wild areas. Wear hiking boots.
- When hiking, stick to well-used trails and wear over-the-ankle boots
and loose-fitting long pants. Avoid tall grass, weeds and heavy
underbrush where snakes may hide during the day.
- Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see, and avoid
wandering around in the dark. Step on logs and rocks, never over them,
and be especially careful when climbing rocks or gathering firewood.
Check out stumps or logs before sitting down, and shake out sleeping
bags before use.
- Never grab “sticks” or “branches” while swimming in lakes and rivers. Rattlesnakes can swim.
- Be careful when stepping over the doorstep as well. Snakes like to
crawl along the edge of buildings where they are protected on one side.
- Never hike alone. Always have someone with you who can assist in an emergency.
- Do not handle a freshly killed snake, it can still inject venom.
- Teach children early to respect snakes and to leave them alone. Children are naturally curious and will pick up snakes.
Dog owners also need to be aware. Brand said, "They should
consider a rattlesnake vaccine. It might buy them enough time to get
them to an animal hospital for treatment."
Brand added, "There are also rattlesnake aversion classes available locally to train your dog to avoid rattlesnakes."
How to identify a rattlesnakeAccording to the
Department of Fish and Game, many useful and non-threatening snakes have
suffered quick deaths from frantic humans who mistakenly identified
them as rattlesnakes.
A rattlesnake is a heavy-bodied, blunt-tailed snake with one or more
rattles on the tail. It has a triangular-shaped head, that is broader
at the back than at the front and a distinct “neck” region. The
rattlesnake also has openings between the nostrils and eyes, which is a
heat-sensing pit. The eyes are hooded with elliptical pupils.
Additional identifying characteristics include a series of dark and
light bands near the tail, just before the rattles which are different
from the markings on the rest of the body.
Also note that rattles may not always be present, as they are often
lost through breakage and are not always developed on the young.
What to do if bitten
The California Poison Control Center has the following advice:
- Stay calm
- Wash the bite area gently with soap and water
- Remove watches, rings, etc, which may constrict swelling
- Immobilize the affected area
- Transport safely to the nearest medical facility
For more first aid information please visit
California Poison Control.
