Rattlesnake season is here!
The Bel-Air Association warns residents that it is now “rattlesnake season” in Los Angeles.
Earlier this week, two Laurel Canyon dogs had been bitten resulting in the death of one. Rattlesnake season is between the months of April and October.
Safety tips when outdoors includes:
Stay on well-used trails when hiking.
Don't touch freshly killed snakes – they can still be holding venom.
Rattlesnakes can swim, so avoid grabbing what might look like a stick or branch when you're in a lake or river.
Wear boots and loose-fitting pants. Don't wear flip flops.
Shake out sleeping bags when camping.
What to do if you do run into a snake?
Do not come close to the rattlesnake. If you come across a snake on the trail you can just wait for it to crawl away, or turn around. They don't want anything to do with you. To them you are a big predator.
If a rattlesnake is upset and it's cornered. It doesn't have another place to run to like a bush or tall grass or something. That is when you see it sit up and make an “S" pattern in its neck so it can be prepared to defend itself.
Their first line of defense is to remain still and rattle their tails as a warning. The best thing to do is to just leave them alone.
If you do get bitten...
If someone happens to get bit by a rattlesnake stay calm and seek immediate medical attention.
Elevate the bite and remove all jewelry near the bite that can constrict the swelling.
Call the hospital on your way so they are prepared to treat you as needed.
For more information, see links below:
LA TIMES “Rattlesnake season begins with a vengeance in Southern California”
KTLA video “Dog Dies After Being Bitten in Nose by Rattlesnake at Laurel Canyon Dog Park”
NBC Channel 4 “Rattlesnake Season Has Begun: Here’s How to Stay Safe”
Eureka! “Six venomous rattlesnakes in California and how to identify them”