Snake Season in Full slither
By E.A. Barrera

Snake season in Southern California runs from April through October, but the warmer the weather, the more the critters like to venture out, say officials from the University of California's Integrated Pest Management department.

Rattlesnakes are California's only native venomous snake, with some adults reaching 6 feet long. Six species live in various areas of the state and their size can vary.

Snakes feed on rodents, birds and other small animals. Still, they can be harmful to humans and pets and deadly if a snake bite is not treated quickly and correctly or if the person bitten has an allergic reaction.

According to San Diego wildlife specialist Terrell Salmon, most rattlesnakes forage for prey in or near brushy or tall grass, rocks, rodent burrows, around and under surface objects, and sometimes in the open.

"Adults eat live prey, primarily rodents; the young take mostly lizards and young rodents. To catch their prey, rattlesnakes wait until the animal is nearby. The snake strikes with two large fangs that inject venom. This subdues the prey, which is then swallowed whole," said Dr. Salmon, who serves as the San Diego County director for the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE).

Photos courtesy of the California Department of Fish and Game."

Most rattlesnakes seek cover in crevices of rocks, under surface objects, beneath dense vegetation and in rodent burrows. In some areas, rattlesnakes hibernate for several months in the crevices of rocks, added Salmon.

"Unlike most reptiles, rattlesnakes give birth to live young. Young snakes require protection and are likely to be born in abandoned rodent burrows, rock crevices or in other secluded places," He said.

The California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) identifies six species of rattlesnake in Southern California, including the Western Diamondback, Sidewinder, Speckled rattlesnake, Red Diamond rattlesnake, Southern Pacific, Great Basin rattlesnake and the Mojave rattlesnake.

A seventh, the northern Pacific rattlesnake, is found in northern California.

Of the six species of rattlers in this region, the Western Diamondback rattlesnake is probably the most dangerous because of its size and aggressive nature. State experts say the Diamondback can be found primarily in Imperial, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

At the other end of the spectrum is the Sidewinder, which is the smallest rattlesnake, and sometimes referred to as the horned rattler, because of the hornlike scales above its eyes.

"Rattlesnakes have a distinctive, triangular head shape, which is a key characteristic in their identification," noted Salmon.

Nonpoisonous snakes in California do not have this characteristic. A less reliable identifying feature is the rattle. The rattle is on the end of the tail and is composed of interlocking horny segments. Young rattlesnakes are born with a small rattle or button. A new segment is formed each time the skin is shed, which may occur several times each year. The lack of a rattle does not mean the snake is not a rattler, according to Salmon.

The California Poison Control Center notes that rattlesnakes account for more than 800 bites each year, with one to two deaths. Most bites occur between 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 CDFG states that rattlers are generally not aggressive, and will primarily strike "when threatened or deliberately provoked" such as when they are handled or accidentally touched by someone walking or climbing. The majority of snakebites occur on the hands, feet and ankles.

"Be aware that startled rattlesnakes may not rattle before striking defensively," said Alexia Retallack, a CDFG information officer.

Both UC Davis and the CDFG warn that rattlesnakes are not confined to rural areas. They have been found near urban areas, in river or lakeside parks and at golf courses.

"If rattlesnakes are in the area, they will most likely be hidden in rock crevices, under logs, in heavy brush, or in other areas where they are protected, including tall grass, but they can also be found on roads, paths and other areas where cover is limited," said Salmon.

"Be careful when moving brush, wood, logs or other debris. In rattlesnake country, be alert when kneeling down to work in the garden and watch where you step. Since rattlesnakes are often well camouflaged and wait quietly for prey, they can be difficult to see."

The CDFG says there are several safety measures that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of startling a rattlesnake. Also, never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking through wild areas.

"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," said Retallack.

"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."

The CDFG warns swimmers to never grab "sticks" or "branches" while swimming in lakes and rivers, since they might in fact be snakes; rattlesnakes can swim.

Other cautions include being careful when stepping over a doorstep, since 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," said Retallack. "Teach children early to respect snakes and to leave them alone. Children are naturally curious and will pick up snakes."

In the event of a snake bite, the first thing to do is stay calm.

"Generally, the most serious effect of a rattlesnake bite to an adult is local tissue damage, which needs to be treated. Children, because they are smaller, are in more danger if they are bitten," said Tim Hovey, associate fisheries biologist with the CDFG.

"Get to a doctor as soon as possible, but stay calm. If the doctor is more than 30 minutes away, elevate the bite and then try to get to the doctor as quickly as possible," Hovey said.

A person who has been bitten by a snake should wash the bite area gently with soap and water, immobilize the affected area, and get to the nearest medical facility as soon as possible.