Summer is prime time for hiking and exploring our gorgeous trails. As we do, it’s important to remember that we share these natural spaces with local wildlife—including the Northern Pacific rattlesnake.  Rattlesnake sightings are a natural part of our ecosystem, particularly at home in warm, dry parks with grasslands, woodlands, and rocky terrain.

While these snakes have a formidable bite, encounters are rarely dangerous. Rattlesnake bites are uncommon, and fatalities even more so. By understanding snake behavior and following a few basic safety rules, you can confidently and safely share the trail.

Spotting a Rattlesnake: What to Look For
With many snake species in our area, telling them apart can be tricky. Rattlesnakes have a few defining features:

• A distinct, triangular-shaped head with a tapered neck.
• A thick body with large scales.
• A rattle at the end of the tail (although they sometimes lose their rattles).

No matter what kind of snake it is, give it a wide berth.

Rattlesnake Behavior

Midday Snooze

Rattlesnakes are ectothermic (cold-blooded), meaning they rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature.

• In the morning: You might spot them stretched out on a sunny trail or rock to warm up after a cool night.
• Midday: They seek shelter to stay cool. Avoid reaching under logs, rocks, woodpiles, or heavy brush.
• Peak hours: While they can appear anytime, they are most active during the morning, dusk, and nighttime hours when they hunt for food.

What If You Come Upon a Snake?

Rattlesnakes are not aggressive; they are shy creatures and prefer to avoid humans. They will may try to escape if they sense you, however, many snakes freeze and rely on their camoflage to protect themselves, so don’t assume that they will head off if they sense you coming.  If you see one on the trail, follow these steps:

• Back away calmly. Give the snake plenty of opportunity and space to back off.
• Do not agitate the snake. Never wave objects or poke at the snake with a stick—this is how many people accidentally get bitten.
• Stomp your feet. Rattlesnakes don’t have external ears to hear shouting, but they are highly sensitive to ground vibrations. Stomping your feet from a safe distance signals your presence and may prompt them to move along.
• A rattlesnake can strike across a distance of two-thirds of its body length. Try to maintain a distance of at least 10 steps away.

What if it won’t move?

If a snake refuses to move off, be patient and wait, or turn around. Do not attempt to step over or around it unless you can maintain a wide, safe distance. Keep your eyes on the snake; they can move surprisingly fast when motivated.

Snake Camo

Proactive Tips to Avoid a Bite

One study in California revealed that two-thirds of rattlesnake bites occur on the hands or arms, often affecting young men who were trying to handle or touch the snake.

To keep yourself safe, follow these trail rules:

• Watch your step and grip: Always look exactly where you are placing your feet and hands.
• Wear long pants and sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes.
• Stick to the trail: Avoid walking through tall grass, heavy underbrush or near rocks where snakes like to hide.
• Never count on the rattle: A startled snake may strike without rattling first, and some snakes lose their rattles entirely.
• Under the influence?  Many bites occur to folks who have been drinking.  Not only does the impulse control go down, but alcohol thins the blood and increases heart rate, causing venom to spread faster.

First Aid: What to Do If Bitten
If you are bitten, stay calm and act quickly. While rattlesnake venom can cause painful swelling, bruising, and tissue damage, modern antivenom is incredibly effective. Out of 39 million residents, California only sees about 300 reported rattlesnake bites per year.

Do:

• Call 911 immediately and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
• Keep your heart rate low.  Increased exertion spreads venom faster through the body.
• Remove restrictive items like rings, watches, or tight bands.
• Keep the bite level with your heart.
• Walk calmly toward help or a cell signal if you are far from assistance.  Moving toward help is better than waiting if emergency services don’t know where you are.

Do NOT:

• Do not try to catch or kill the snake.
• Do not apply a tourniquet or ice.
• Do not cut the wound or try to suck the venom out.

Again, snake bites are extremely rare–let’s keep it that way!  And for much more about snakes, check out Snake Chat: A Conversation with Local Reptile Educator Galen Freed-Wilhem!