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It's that time of year: Keep a watch for rattlesnakes

Published Saturday, March 29, 2003

Along with all the blossoms and beauties of spring come snakes. Spring is the season when many snakes leave their winter homes to return to their hunting and breeding habitats.

The rattlesnake is the only poisonous snake in the area, and it’s been sighted numerous times in the past two weeks.

Mick Berklich, the Community Services District director of field operations, reports that district workers have spotted rattlesnakes near the water treatment plants and they’ve heard the distinctive rattle while cutting down weeds along the drainage ditches.

Berklich estimates CSD personnel have seen a dozen snakes recently, not all of them rattlesnakes. Of the rattlesnakes that have been spotted, most were small, young ones that are equally venomous and more pugnacious than adult rattlers.

Rattlesnake bites are seldom fatal, though the injury can be extremely painful. Last summer, two Rancho Murieta residents were bitten by rattlers in their own yards. Both recovered.

Snakes are more in evidence during the day in the spring not only because they’re leaving their winter dens but also because of the mild weather. During hot weather, they’re likely to be more active at night.

Rattlesnakes are recognizable by their wide, triangular heads and the rattles on their tails. But don’t expect to hear a rattle. Snakes that are taken by surprise will bite with no warning rattle.

The western rattlesnake, the species of rattler that lives here, has large, dark brown spots edged with white or yellow bands. The top of its head is brown. The gopher snake, which is not poisonous, bears a resemblance to the rattlesnake, but its head is not triangular and it has no rattles. All snakes feed on rodents and help to control that population.

Residents are urged to be alert for snakes and watch where they step or put their hands. It’s suggested that people keep toward the center of trails rather than the edges when walking in the back country.

Two pieces of advice:

If a rattlesnake shows up in your yard or otherwise poses a threat, call Security at 354-CARE.
In the event of a rattlesnake bite, call 911, preferably from a land phone, not a cell phone, for the quickest emergency response. Antivenin can only be administered at a medical facility and transport to a medical facility is considered the best way to treat a venomous snakebite. Do not apply ice or a tourniquet.

Rattlesnakes -- avoiding them and dealing with their bite

Information on rattlesnakes from the University of California, Davis:

What can be done to prevent a bite?

Hands, feet and ankles are the most common sites for rattlesnake bites. Using some common sense rules can prevent most snakebites.

Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking in the rough. Always wear hiking boots.Always stay on paths. Avoid tall grass, weeds and heavy underbrush where there may be snakes.Use a walking stick when hiking. If you come across a snake, it can strike the stick instead of you.Always look for concealed snakes before picking up rocks, sticks or firewood.Always check carefully around stumps or logs before sitting.When climbing, always look before putting your hands in a new location. Snakes can climb walls, trees and rocks and are frequently found at high altitudes.Never grab "sticks" or "branches" while swimming. Rattlesnakes are excellent swimmers.Baby rattlesnakes are poisonous! They can and do bite. Leave them alone.Never hike alone. Always have a buddy to help in case of an emergency. Learn basic life-saving methods.Don't handle fresh killed snakes. You may still be bitten.Never tease a snake to see how far it can strike. You can be several feet from the snake and still be within striking distance.Don't keep rattlesnakes as pets. The majority of rattlesnake bites occur when people (usually intoxicated young men in their 20s) tease or play with their "pet" rattlesnake. Teach children to respect snakes and to leave snakes alone. Curious children who pick up snakes are frequently bitten.
Always give snakes the right of way!

What do I do for initial first aid? Because most Californians live in rattlesnake country, a snakebite emergency plan should be developed before it is needed. If you are less than one hour from the nearest emergency room, initial treatment is relatively simple:

Try to calm the victim.Gently wash the area with soap and water. Apply a cold, wet cloth over the bite.
Transport to the nearest emergency facility for further treatment.

What should NOT be done after a rattlesnake bite? Several DON'Ts are very important to remember:

DON'T apply a tourniquet.DON'T pack the bite area in ice.DON'T cut the wound with a knife or razor.DON'T use your mouth to suck out the venom.DON'T let the victim drink alcohol.
DON'T apply electric shock.

The preceding treatments will NOT help the victim and are dangerous. Applying ice or a tourniquet can block circulation, which can result in gangrene and eventual loss of the limb due to amputation. Cutting the wound can cause excessive bleeding. Because human mouths are full of bacteria, sucking the venom from the wound can cause infection, making treatment more difficult.