Venomous California Snakes
If you like the outdoors in California, you will likely run into California snakes. While most California snakes are harmless — provided you don’t provoke them — the California rattlesnake is venomous. While usually not aggressive, these California snakes will bite or spew their venom if threatened or provoked, or if stepped on accidentally. In fact, most rattlesnake bites occur on the hands, feet and ankles.
Like other California snakes, rattlesnakes are beautiful and enthralling and come in a variety of species, including: the Western Diamondback, Sidewinder, Speckled, Northern Pacific, Southern Pacific, Red Diamond, and Great Basin rattlesnake. The Western Rattlesnake is the most widespread species in California.
Also similar to other California snakes, rattlesnakes can be hard to identify. Here are some helpful hints: A rattlesnake has a heavy body and a blunt tail with with one or more rattles. However, note that rattles may not yet be developed on young California rattlesnakes. The back of the head is wider than the front, creating a triangle-shaped appearance, and there is a distinct neck region. Near the tail and rattles there is a series of dark and light bands which differ from the pattern on the rest of the snake’s body.
What should you do if you encounter a venomous California snake? Unprovoked and left alone, rattlesnakes will usually retreat. Hikers meeting up with a rattlesnake on a trail are advised to keep their distance and let the snake make its escape.
However, if you are bitten by a California rattlesnake, first and foremost, stay calm! This is to avoid elevating the heart rate, which could accelerate the circulation of venom in the body. Medical experts also advise keeping the area of the bite below heart level, immobilizing the affected area, and receiving medical treatment as soon as possible. Medical treatment usually involves application of an antivenom to block tissue and nerve destruction, as well as blood-clotting common with rattlesnake bites.
One less-known fact about venomous Calfornia snakes is that they are not found only in rural areas. You can find California rattlesnakes in backyards, in rivers (yes, they swim!) and in parks. Here are some words of wisdom when it comes to venomous California snakes:
Don’t walk barefoot through wild or unknown areas. When hiking, wear long pants, high boots, and avoid tall grass and brush where rattlesnakes may hide. Be careful gathering firewood or overturning rocks, and don’t reach your hands or step where you can’t see. Don’t hike alone, and carry a cellphone with you.
At home, you can safeguard your backyard with a handmade, rattlesnake proof fence. You can also discourage venomous California snakes by removing debris or rocks lying around, and by using non-venomous Kingsnakes to eat the rattlesnakes.
