Beware! Rattlesnakes Are Out and About

Photo by San Diego Humane Society

If you like to hike or bike in rural San Diego County, you need to be aware of trail hazards such as rattlesnakes.

The weather is heating up and the rattlesnakes are out and about.

A few weeks ago, I was visiting a home and the children found a baby rattler. Days later, a friend's dog was struck in the paw by a rattler. And then last Friday, there was this: Helicopter lands in La Mesa intersection to save CBP dog's life.

Beware of your surroundings!

Many times in the past, I've encountered a rattlesnake while hiking or riding my horse on a trail. Always be looking ahead at the "big picture" and you might see a snake crossing the trail you are on. Just hold back for a minute and let the snake cross. He doesn't want an encounter with you any more than you do!

Here's a little mini-course for what to look for.

A rattlesnake has a triangular head and may or may not have rattles. They are known to "rattle" the tail rattles but if startled, may not always issue a rattle warning.

They can strike 1/3 or 1/2 the distance of their total length. They strike from a coiled position normally so allow plenty of space between you and the snake.

Do not handle a freshly killed snake, it may inject its venom for up to 72 hours after death.

While the common belief that you can determine a rattlesnake's age by counting its rattle segments is inaccurate, you can still estimate age by looking at the rattle and other features.

The number of rattle segments primarily indicates how many times the snake has shed its skin, not its age. 

Rattlesnakes primarily eat small mammals like rodents, rabbits, and squirrels, as well as birds, lizards, and amphibians. They are ambush predators, waiting patiently for prey to come within striking distance. 

I recommend always using a long stick or garden hoe/shovel/rake to get something out of the brush or especially a wood pile, a favorite place for snakes to hide. That way the implement gets the strike, not you!

Gopher snakes and rattlesnakes, while sometimes confused due to similar markings and defensive behaviors, have key differences: rattlesnakes possess a rattle on their tail, while gopher snakes do not; rattlesnakes are venomous, while gopher snakes are not. Gopher snakes also have rounder heads and slender bodies compared to the more stocky, diamond-shaped heads of rattlesnakes. 

[Click on image to enlarge]

Rattlesnakes may also be found near urban areas in river or lakeside parks and at golf courses. Watch where you are walking and stay in the middle of the trail. Avoid areas with tall grass or weeds where a snake may be hiding. Do not step or put your hands in the underbrush if you cannot see. Be careful stepping over a doorstep or sitting on a rock or log, a snake could be slithering along the edge. Never hike alone, the buddy system could save your life as your hiking buddy could assist you in an emergency or call 9-1-1.

When swimming in rivers and lakes, never grab a stick or branch that floats by. Rattlesnakes can swim. Teach children to respect snakes and leave them alone. Sign your dog up for a rattlesnake awareness class. It may save their life.

Rattlesnakes may be found near your home, you don't have to travel far to find one. Here are some ideas on how to protect your property.

If you are bitten, stay calm. Remove any rings or watches that could constrict swelling. Wash the bite area gently with soap and water if you have it. Call 9-1-1 or get to a doctor/hospital immediately. If you can't see a doctor within thirty minutes, be sure that you keep the wound below the heart.

Most of all, pay attention to your surroundings. Don't be talking on your cell phone or tripping through the weeds. Be alert!

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