CDFW Offers Tips for Steering Clear of Rattlesnakes as the Weather Warms Up
This is a press release from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife:
Photo from CDFW News
As stay-at-home rules are relaxed around the state of California, hikers are undoubtedly anxious to take advantage of the opportunity to visit their favorite hills, mountains, paths and trails. It’s important to remember that snakes are enjoying the fine weather this time of year as well.
With the coming of summer, snakes of many species are through hunkering down, making human encounters with these elusive creatures more likely. Although most native snakes are harmless, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) recommends giving the venomous rattlesnake plenty of space and knowing what to do in the rare event of a bite.
Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times for when snakes come out – they avoid the midday heat. In general, snakes are not aggressive. When people are bit, it’s most often because the animal was surprised.
The most basic but important tip to remember: If you’re outdoors, make sure to stay on trails, as you’ll be in a better position to see (and avoid) a snake if it’s on the path or crossing in front of you.
Rattlesnakes are widespread in California and are found in a variety of habitats throughout the state, from coastal to desert. They may also turn up around homes and yards in brushy areas and under wood piles. Rattlesnakes will likely retreat if given room and are not provoked or threatened. Most bites occur when a rattlesnake is handled or accidentally brushed against by someone walking or climbing.
On occasion, rattlesnake bites have caused severe injury – even death. However, the potential of encountering a rattlesnake should not deter anyone from venturing outdoors. The California Poison Control System notes that the chances of being bitten are small compared to the risk of other environmental injuries. Most bites occur between the months of April and October when snakes and humans are most active outdoors.
CDFW provides tips for safely living in snake country on its website, as well as tips for keeping snakes out of your yard and what do to do (and not do) in the event of a snake bite.
Additional resources can be found on the “Living with Rattlesnakes” page at www.CaliforniaHerps.com and at wildlife.ca.gov/keep-me-wild.
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The snakes in Sacramento are more dangerous than any in the wild.
They want to prevent infection. For some one I think is accusing the “State” of over reacting, is it possible you might be over reacting a bit?
ewwww …. I see what ya did there.
I had one for a pet. If you have a CA fishing license, you can legally keep 2. He was very docile and didnt rattle.
In the U.S. a meer 5 people die of snake bites compared to 34,000 car wreck fatalities a year. If you drive a car you should never in a million years kill a snake your not eating. Don’t be brain washed into fear killing something far less deadly then your car or even a ladder.
It would’ve been more helpful and interesting to read if the article actually stated the tips.
a piece of 1″ pvc, with a long section of drip line or stiff cord looped through it,makes a nice stand-off snake lasso. This allows you to relocate them. they eat rodents.
Just click on the red “tips for safely…” to see them.
Simple, and as a retired surveyor who worked in the woods for decades, don’t step on them and they won’t bite you.
That’s it. Look before every step.
I’ve read that most rattlesnake bites are on the hand of young men who’ve had a few too many. Basically, should you encounter one they will really appreciate it if you don’t try to give them a pat.
there are a few men that may or may not had too many that have been injected after cutting the off the body and showing the head off to bystanders in some weird testosterone driven ritual. one of them lost their arm.
🕯🌳I’ve seen that happen and they were drunken idiot’s. 🐸🌍🖖🇺🇸
Very good useful information about rattle snakes. Stepping over logs, walking through rock piles, etc., is another place they like to be. Look good before you step over logs and walk through rock piles. If you are hiking with your dog keep him/her on a leash, and keep any children close to you and on the trail.