Recent reports about rattlesnake behavior in the local frontcountry seem to confirm their increased “aggression,” or perhaps call it a “quicker responsive time.”

I’ve been hiking these trails regularly since the early 1970s, and I agree with the recent Noozhawk story and Rick Nelson in his KSBY interview: Reported rattlesnake bites are indeed up, and there are two reasons — more snakes are about, and more humans are crossing their natural habitat.

As a longtime observer of human behavior on local trails, I assert that the enthusiasm as well as the number of human hikers have soared since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, just like the increasing attendance for music locally (Rhiannon Giddens nearly filled the Arlington Theatre). We now experience an exceptionally lush spring and healthy individuals in the homo species eagerly rush into green nature.

No one disputes the inspiring and therapeutic — even spiritual — impact of glorious nature on our souls, but Mother Gaia also joyfully galvanizes mental energies as well. We know this!

Therefore, get up off the couch, leave the office, the backyard or your car, and take thyself to an almost-wilderness near you. Drag your partner along, and the kids, and make it simple. (For example, I usually have basic items always pre-packed.) Easy frontcountry hiking trails such as as Rattlesnake Canyon and Jesusita, however, do present true danger in the form of rattlesnakes (Crotalus atrox). (I personally have even more fear of ticks.)

The reality of rattlesnake bite danger seems fairly minimal to me, but only if you follow a few common-sense practices (4.1.1. best practices). As I outlined in that recent column, the time of day and temperature seem paramount in avoiding rattlesnakes. All winter and on cool or cold mornings, I have no worries about rattlesnakes. However, as spring warmth pours in and one sets out in midmorning along sun-dappled trails, the cold-blooded rattlesnakes literally heat up and begin to search for food. Since we’ve had bounteous winter rainfall (almost double the normal), the rodent population has soared, thus offering more food for the snakes, so they’re literally around more and potentially underfoot.

To be clear: I do not think rattlesnakes are overtly aggressive against humans, but we sometimes frighten them, and they react with the loud threatening rattling sound as a defense mechanism — a warning. The serpents demand respect for their presence: If you actually step on or too near one, it will bite you on the leg, injecting venom into your blood system.

In my hiking career, there have been at least 10 rattlesnake encounters, and two or three while hiking with my young son. All of these, with two exceptions, came off well and with mutual respect. The snake calmed down as we waited it out, admiring the intricate “diamonds” on its back. We enjoyed these rattlesnake “observation” moments. Viewed from afar (at least 10 feet), they’re fabulous creatures.

A recent rattlesnake meet-up near the unused beach bike path between El Capitan and Refugio obliged my friend and me to backtrack some, clamber higher up and then hike along the railroad line before returning back down to the narrow, old bike path.

Hiking carefully on this thin ribbon of asphalt, using both poles, I’d noticed the huge “tufts” of grass sprouting from the earthen space between the asphalt and the sturdy stone wall built by the railroad to support the train tracks above.

The day was unseasonably warm, and I spied a sinuous shape ahead, so we halted 15 feet away and stared for a while. It certainly appeared to be a gopher snake, but in an excess of caution I used my fully extended pole and very gently nudged the somnolent snake (only partially visible). The rattlesnake began rattling loudly as my friend and I instinctively leaped backward. It had not coiled, and we were never close enough to be bitten, so we experienced plenty of exciting adrenaline in those moments — wonderful times! Rather than flipping the stubborn snake off the tiny trail into the shore below so we could pass by, we made the short steep scramble up to the railroad track and hiked a work-around.

Constant vigilance and awareness of the path right in front of you are the best preventive measures. Honestly, rattlers aren’t aggressive until they feel threatened. If you are foolish enough to advance after their very loud and clear warning, you may endure painful or fatal consequences. This is Friedrich Nietzsche’s “icy stream of existence.” There’s an old backcountry saying about those who get rattlesnake-bitten: “The guy must’ve been drunk or stoned to step right on it!”

In my experience, it seems like the warmer it is, the more likelihood of irritability, since snakes are cold-blooded critters. There have been more reported bites this spring because the frontcountry has had terrific rainfall, which provides more rodent prey for the rattlesnakes. More humans are now heading out onto the trails, thus even more of the inevitable serpent-simian encounters will ensue.

A word on dogs: Since coyotes are natural predators of the snakes, rattlesnakes will aggressively bite an inquisitive dog that terrifies them. A personal friend lost his dog to a rattlesnake bite, and it was an unpleasant death for the canine. In the wrong weather conditions, don’t bring your dog, and focus on your own safety and the safety of people hiking with you, particularly rambunctious children. (Yes, bring your cellphone, but it may not have enough reception to function, so don’t count on it.)

Walk and amble happily on our frontcountry trails, yet keep alert to conditions and watch the path right in front of you. Our own behaviors and best practices should keep us safe.  Don’t hike alone in remote areas. 

4.1.1.

Click here for the KSBY report.

Click here for the Noozhawk story on Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital reporting an increase in rattlesnake bite patients: seven so far this year.

Basic gear: The thicker the shoes/boots, the more protection against a rattlesnake bite. I always wear long pants and have two hiking poles. So-called snake gaiters can be purchased on the internet, with prices starting around $26, but they are heavy and needed mainly if you plan a lot of bushwhacking in tall grasses.

Best practices: Awareness of the conditions, especially temperature, remains key. In winter when it’s cool and sometimes cold, there are few snake worries; in the spring and at midmorning with fresh sunlight dappling on the meadow, serpents sometimes like to luxuriate right on the warm trail or in the thick grasses on either side. Dusk is another time the likelihood of rattlesnake encounters goes up. When with children and conditions are snake-friendly, don’t let them rush out in front of the first adult hiker.