Carlsbad: Rattlesnakes More Active In Spring

Carlsbad CA

22 April, 2021

1:16 AM

Description

Press release from the City of Carlsbad: April 16, 2021 Rattlesnakes More Active in Spring With spring comes warmer temperatures and reminders from public safety officials to be aware of rattlesnakes becoming more active. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, most bites occur between the months of April and October when snakes and humans are most active outdoors. What to do in the event of a snake bite Though uncommon, rattlesnake bites do occur, so have a plan in place for responding to any situation. Carry a cell phone, hike with a companion who can assist in an emergency and make sure that family or friends know where you are going and when you will be checking in. In the event of a bite: Call 9-1-1 Stay calm but act quickly Remove watches, rings, etc., which may constrict swelling Wait for emergency responders to arrive What you should NOT do after a rattlesnake bite DON'T apply a tourniquet DON'T pack the bite area in ice DON'T cut the wound with a knife or razor DON'T use your mouth to suck out the venom DON'T let the victim drink alcohol Keeping snakes out of the yard The best protection against rattlesnakes in the yard is a "rattlesnake proof" fence. The fence should either be solid or with mesh no larger than one-quarter inch. It should be at least three feet high with the bottom buried a few inches in the ground. Slanting your snake fence outward about a 30-degree angle will help. Keep vegetation away from the fence and remove piles of boards or rocks around the home. Use caution when removing those piles – there may already be a snake there. Encourage and protect natural competitors like gopher snakes, kingsnakes and racers. Kingsnakes actually kill and eat rattlesnakes. The dos and don'ts in snake country According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website, rattlesnakes are not confined to rural areas. They have been found in urban areas, on riverbanks and lakeside parks and at golf courses. The following safety precautions can be taken to reduce the likelihood of an encounter with a rattlesnake. Be alert. Like all reptiles, rattlesnakes are sensitive to the ambient temperature and will adjust their behavior accordingly. After a cold or cool night, they will attempt to raise their body temperature by basking in the sun midmorning. To prevent overheating during hot days of spring and summer, they will become more active at dawn, dusk or night. Wear sturdy boots and loose-fitting long pants. Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking through brushy, wild areas. Startled rattlesnakes may not rattle before striking defensively. Children should not wear flip-flops while playing outdoors in snake country. Be careful when stepping over doorsteps as well. Snakes like to crawl along the edge of buildings where they are protected on one side. When hiking, stick to well-used trails. Avoid tall grass, weeds and heavy underbrush where snakes may hide during the day. If you encounter a rattlesnake on a trail, calmly back away and leave it alone. Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see. 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. Never grab "sticks" or "branches" while swimming in lakes and rivers. Rattlesnakes can swim. Never hike alone. Always have someone with you who can assist in an emergency. Leash your dog when hiking in snake country. Dogs are at increased risk of being bitten due to holding their nose to the ground while investigating the outdoors. Speak to your veterinarian about canine rattlesnake vaccines and what to do if your pet is bitten Do not handle a freshly killed snake, as it can still inject venom. Teach children early to respect snakes and to leave them alone. Residents can also call the San Diego County Department of Animal Services for snake removal at 619-236-2341. For more information and safety tips, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. City Media ContactKristina Ray, 760-434-2957 or [email protected] April 16, 2021 This press release was produced by the City of Carlsbad. The views expressed here are the author's own.