Safety Tips For Rattlesnakes As They Slither Out Of Hibernation

Due to the recent warmer weather, residents of Santa Clarita have encountered an increase in rattlesnake sightings.

With rattlesnake season now upon the Santa Clarita Valley, here are some safety tips to avoid the snakes and what to do if someone gets bitten.

How can I avoid a rattlesnake?

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has developed an extensive list of ways to avoid rattlesnakes.

• Be cautious when you’re outside.
• Put on long, loose-fitting pants and sturdy boots. Do not wear flat shoes in wooded or rocky places.
• Remember to stick to paths that people have already hiked. Avoid overgrown vegetation, such as weeds and tall grass.
• See if there are any rocks, stumps, or logs nearby before you sit down.
• Sleeping bags and tents should be shaken before each use.
• Keep someone updated on your whereabouts and when you expect to return, and don’t forget to bring a cell phone.
• When you can, hike in a group.
• “Sticks” in water should not be grabbed. A rattlesnake’s ability to swim may surprise you.
• Keep dogs on a leash at all times. Sniffing the ground near brushy areas puts dogs in a more precarious situation.
• Whether they are alive or dead, you should never touch a snake. Even after they’ve died, rattlesnakes can inject their venom.

How do I deal with a rattlesnake if I come across one?

“Rattlesnakes aren’t aggressive to humans unless threatened or frightened,” Stephen Nett, a Bodega Bay-based naturalist, wrote on Sonoma County Regional Park’s blog.

Usually afraid of larger predators, the infamous snakes feed on rodents like mice. As a defense mechanism, they will rattle if they feel threatened and try to escape the situation. If they try to retreat, let them do so.

The striking range of a rattlesnake can reach two-thirds of its body length. Keep at least ten steps away from it, or further if you come across one while hiking.

What are venomous rattlesnake bite symptoms?

According to the California Poison Control System , the following are common symptoms of rattlesnake bites.

• Extreme pain
• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Swelling in the mouth and throat
• Drooling
• Difficulty breathing
• Lightheadedness

• Nausea
• Swelling at the location of the bite
• Collapse
• Shock, in rare cases

What do you do if a rattlesnake bites you?

• Keep calm and don’t freak out if you get bitten.
• Quickly dial 911.
• Contact the Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for further guidance.
• Keep the bite site elevated above your heart as you go to the hospital.

The following should not be attempted:

• Do not apply any heat or ice to the bite
• Avoid making any cuts or slices near the bite
• Restrict blood flow without using a tourniquet
• You shouldn’t drink alcohol or have caffeine-containing beverages

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