DFG News Archive

Department of Fish and Game Urges Outdoor Enthusiasts to be Snake Smart

As springtime 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 benign. An exception is California’s only native venomous snake - the rattlesnake.

Generally not aggressive, rattlesnakes strike when threatened or deliberately provoked, but given room they will retreat. Most snake bites occur when a rattlesnake is handled or accidentally touched by someone walking or climbing. The majority of snakebites occur on the hands, feet and ankles.

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 between the months of 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.

The potential of running into a rattlesnake should not deter people from venturing outdoors, but there are several precautions that can be taken to minimize the risk of being bitten:

• Know that rattlesnakes are not confined to rural areas. They have been 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.

Though uncommon, rattlesnake bites do occur, so have a plan in place for responding to the situation. Carry a portable phone and make sure that family or friends know where you are going and when you will be checking in.

The first thing to do if bitten is to stay calm. Generally, the most serious injury to an adult is local tissue damage which needs to be treated. Children, because they are smaller, are in more danger if they are bitten. Get to a doctor as soon as possible, but stay calm. Frenetic, high-speed driving places the victim at greater risk of an accident and increased heart rate.

The California Poison Control Center advises:

• Stay calm
• Wash the bite area gently with soap and water
• Remove watches, rings, etc, which may constrict swelling
• Immobilize the affected area
• Transport safely to the nearest medical facility

For more first aid information please visit the following Web sites:

• The California Poison Control Web site, www.calpoison.org
• University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74119.html
• American Academy of Family Physicians, www.aafp.org/afp/20020401/1367.html