Community Corner

Rattlesnake Season is Here—Watch Where You Walk

With summer heat coming, snakes are around, so don't be careless or you could end up in the hospital.

 

Warm weather doesn't just encourage humans to go outside, it also lures out rattlesnakes. 

According to CaliforniaHerps.com, the western rattlesnake is prevalent from the Oregon border clear to Los Angeles. Mount Madonna in the Santa Cruz Mountains is known to be a home for rattlesnakes, especially in hot weather. 

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We're already feeling heat and it's just barely May, so the Santa Clara County Emergency Medical Services System sent out an alert to much of Central California this week with the following tips.

  • If you see a snake, stop and keep your distance. Give the snake plenty of room to get away. 
  • Wear heavy boots that are four inches above the ankle, and long pants when hiking. 
  • Snakes seen cool areas, too. Always watch where you step and be sure to look for snakes in areas of high brush, under logs and when stepping over logs, or fallen trees. 
  • When it’s cool, snakes seek warmer areas. Be observant for snakes sunning on rocks or trails, especially in the cooler times of day.
  • NEVER try to touch a snake or scare it away. Give the snake its space and back away to a safe place. 
  • Tell a ranger or park staff if you see a snake, and NEVER try to catch it.  

In the rare case of being bitten by a snake, remember these steps:

Find out what's happening in Half Moon Baywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Do not panic, remain calm, and slowly move away from the snake. 
  • Call 9-1-1 or send someone for help 
  • DO NOT apply cold pack, tourniquet, cut the bite, or attempt to suck-out venom 
  • Avoid movement of the area that was bitten. 
  • Keep the bite at or below heart level. 
  • Do not attempt to kill or catch the snake but do try to remember what the snake looked like. 
  • If you have time, take note of the time of the bite.
  • Remember, remain calm and wait for help.

Have you seen snakes around lately? Up in the hills or other warm areas? Tell us in the comments!


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