I’m not too proud to admit it: snakes are scary. Not spider scary, but scary nonetheless. So, since summer is quickly approaching, here’s some timely tips from the USDA so you don’t end up looking like me … running away from a tiny little 1.5′ lightning-fast rattlesnake:
Warmer weather lures humans to the outdoors about the same time snakes are increasing their activity, making encounters of the slithering kind inevitable. California has many kinds of beautiful and harmless native snakes. However, one kind of snake that is a safety concern for anyone outdoors in California is the rattlesnake. All snakes, including rattlesnakes, provide humans with a tremendous service because they control rodent populations.
Rattlesnakes are the only venomous snakes in California that can cause serious injury to humans; however, very few people die from rattlesnake bites in California. Generally not aggressive, rattlesnakes strike when threatened or deliberately provoked, and given room they will retreat. Never try to pick up a rattlesnake. Most snake bites occur when a rattlesnake is handled or accidentally touched by someone walking or climbing.
The potential of running into a rattlesnake should not deter anyone from venturing outdoors, but 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. Rattlesnakes live from sea level to the inland prairies and desert areas to the mountains at elevations of more than 10,000 feet.
Is it a rattlesnake or isn’t it?
Many a harmless snake has suffered death or injury from a frantic human who has mistakenly identified a gopher snake, racer or other snake as a rattlesnake. This usually happens when a snake assumes an instinctual defensive position used to bluff adversaries. A gopher snake has the added unfortunate trait of imitating a rattlesnake by flattening its head and body, vibrating its tail, hissing and actually striking if approached too closely. If agitated, gopher snakes may bite, but they have no venom glands so their bite, though it can be painful, is not dangerous.
A rattlesnake is a heavy-bodied, blunt-tailed snake with one or more rattles on the tail. It has a triangular-shaped head, much broader at the back than at the front, and a distinct “neck” region. The rattlesnake also has an opening between the nostril and eye, which is a heat-sensing pit. 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, which has a distinct diamond pattern the entire length of the body.
The DOs and DON’Ts in snake country
When hiking, stick to well-used trails and wear over-the-ankle boots and loose-fitting long pants. 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, this is because snakes like to lay next to these objects for protection. Be especially careful when climbing rocks or gathering firewood. Avoid walking through dense brush or willow thickets, or rocky areas.
If you live in an area prone to snakes, 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.
Try to keep pets from wandering away from homes and when hiking. Keep them on a least at all times. Most dogs may try to sniff at the snake – try to keep them at a distance and under control at all times. If the pets is bitten, follow the same procedures as you would for a human.
But it’s not all scary-scary; in California we’ve only got the Northern Pacific rattlesnake to worry about.
Oh, wait … that’s just in northern California. Here in beautiful southern California we’ve got the Western Diamondback, Sidewinder, Speckled, Red Diamond, Southern Pacific, Great Basin, and the Mojave rattlesnakes to watch out for.
And – just a reminder – EVERYWHERE in southern California is snake country! Yikes!
You can read the whole article HERE.
Also, Bass Pro Rancho Cucamonga hosts Rattlesnake Avoidance Training classes for you and your pet. Might not be a bad investment.