I was hiking with my sister in the Los Padres National Forest, and she had taken point ahead of me while we were off trail and exploring. She stepped up onto a deadfall and was starting to step off of it when my arm went around her waist and yanked her backward.
It was a rattlesnake that I had heard make the first shakes of its noisy tail. It had sensed us approaching, coiled and warned us.
One step over that log, and the critter would have felt forced into striking in defense at something much larger than itself. When we backed away, the snake slithered away, probably greatly relieved.
As summertime draws humans and wildlife out into the sun, close encounters of the slithering kind may become inevitable. California is home to a variety of snakes, most of which are non-poisonous. An exception is California’s only native venomous snake — the rattlesnake.
That is not the only venomous snake you might encounter in California, but the rattler is our only truly native venomous snake. California has a dozen varieties of rattlers, while Arizona takes the cake with 13 sub species.
Rattlers strike when threatened or deliberately provoked; however, given room they will usually retreat. Most snake bites occur when a rattlesnake is handled, accidentally touched or spooked by someone walking or climbing.
The majority of snakebites occur on the hands, feet and ankles. While certainly dangerous, bites are rarely fatal to humans, no matter how they are portrayed in movies.
The California Department of Fish & Game issued a timely and valuable warning about potential human/snake interaction. Sharing the information may help prevent snakebite.
Rattlesnakes can cause serious injury, and on rare occasions, death, to humans. The California Poison Control Center notes that rattlesnakes account for more than 800 bites each year, resulting in one to two deaths on average.
Most bites occur April and October when snakes and humans are most active outdoors. About one-quarter of the bites are “dry,” meaning no venom was injected, but the bites still require medical treatment.
Don’t allow the potential for a rattlesnake encounter to deter you from venturing outdoors. While out there, numerous precautions can minimize the risk of being bitten:
» Know that rattlesnakes are found near urban areas, in rivers and lakeside parks, and at golf courses.
» Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking through wild areas. Wear hiking boots.
» When hiking, stick to established 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.
» Use a walking stick when hiking in snake country for probing areas where snakes may be hiding.
» 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.
» Never grab sticks or branches while swimming in lakes and rivers. Rattlesnakes can swim.
» Be careful when stepping over doorsteps. 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.
» Teach children early to respect snakes and to leave them alone. Children are naturally curious and will pick up snakes.
— Capt. David Bacon operates WaveWalker Charters and is president of SOFTIN Inc., a nonprofit organization providing seafaring opportunities for those in need. Visit softininc.blogspot.com to learn more about the organization and how you can help. Click here to read previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.
