Most people don't encounter many snakes in their lifetime, and most don't want to. Everyone, however, should know how to act if they do come face to face with one. In particular, rattlesnake avoidance San Diego County way is a skill to acquire.
Rattlesnakes are encountered mainly in the wastelands around inhabited areas, but they may venture close to civilization to find food (mice, rats, gophers, frogs, and insects). They also may sun themselves on patios or steps right outside your door. They are shy, unless they are shedding their skin, and will stay out of your way if they have enough warning. However, you can't always count on them running away, so you should know what to do if you encounter one.
Rattlesnakes have the typical triangular head and thick body that distinguishes a poisonous serpent. They are a mottled tan and brown color (most are, anyway; there is a green rattler in the Mojave desert) and have a rattle at the end of their tails. However, young snakes, which are as poisonous as the adults, may not have grown rattles yet, and older snakes can lose them to accident or injury.
Hikers should know that a rattler may not always give the trademark warning sound, which sounds like a buzz. A snake taken unawares may strike without warning, and if it is shedding its skin it may be unusually aggressive. Stepping over logs or climbing up rocks should be done with extreme care, especially in hot weather or on winter days when bright sun may have brought snakes out of hibernation.
Rocky hills are good places to find rattlers, but so are areas of long grass, weeds, and brush. Any nook or cranny or overgrown area can make a hiding place for a snake. If you do see one in the open, it will be either sunning itself or traveling from one place to another.
If it's necessary to go into weeds or brush, it's a good idea to carry a stout stick. A stick can help you balance without using your hands. You can also strike weeds and brush to alert snakes, which will move away if given proper warning. Wearing high-top leather boots and long pants is best. Sandals and sneakers leave feet and ankles exposed.
Most bites occur on the hands, feet, or ankles. Campsites should be examined with care, preferably in daylight, to make sure snakes have not gathered there. Tent flaps should be kept closed to keep snakes out, and sleeping bags kept rolled up until time to sleep. Rattlers can be attracted to the warmth of a sleeping person or might hide in bedding.
About 300 people a year are bitten by rattlers in California. Almost all victims recover with treatment; bees and dogs are more dangerous than reptiles. However, a rattler bite is painful and potentially lethal, so it's best avoided. Hikers should go in pairs, carry a cell phone, and make sure people back home know their route and their expected return time.
Rattlesnakes are encountered mainly in the wastelands around inhabited areas, but they may venture close to civilization to find food (mice, rats, gophers, frogs, and insects). They also may sun themselves on patios or steps right outside your door. They are shy, unless they are shedding their skin, and will stay out of your way if they have enough warning. However, you can't always count on them running away, so you should know what to do if you encounter one.
Rattlesnakes have the typical triangular head and thick body that distinguishes a poisonous serpent. They are a mottled tan and brown color (most are, anyway; there is a green rattler in the Mojave desert) and have a rattle at the end of their tails. However, young snakes, which are as poisonous as the adults, may not have grown rattles yet, and older snakes can lose them to accident or injury.
Hikers should know that a rattler may not always give the trademark warning sound, which sounds like a buzz. A snake taken unawares may strike without warning, and if it is shedding its skin it may be unusually aggressive. Stepping over logs or climbing up rocks should be done with extreme care, especially in hot weather or on winter days when bright sun may have brought snakes out of hibernation.
Rocky hills are good places to find rattlers, but so are areas of long grass, weeds, and brush. Any nook or cranny or overgrown area can make a hiding place for a snake. If you do see one in the open, it will be either sunning itself or traveling from one place to another.
If it's necessary to go into weeds or brush, it's a good idea to carry a stout stick. A stick can help you balance without using your hands. You can also strike weeds and brush to alert snakes, which will move away if given proper warning. Wearing high-top leather boots and long pants is best. Sandals and sneakers leave feet and ankles exposed.
Most bites occur on the hands, feet, or ankles. Campsites should be examined with care, preferably in daylight, to make sure snakes have not gathered there. Tent flaps should be kept closed to keep snakes out, and sleeping bags kept rolled up until time to sleep. Rattlers can be attracted to the warmth of a sleeping person or might hide in bedding.
About 300 people a year are bitten by rattlers in California. Almost all victims recover with treatment; bees and dogs are more dangerous than reptiles. However, a rattler bite is painful and potentially lethal, so it's best avoided. Hikers should go in pairs, carry a cell phone, and make sure people back home know their route and their expected return time.
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