Most people don't encounter many snakes in their lifetime, and most don't want to. Everyone, however, should know how to act if they do come face to face with one. In particular, rattlesnake avoidance San Diego County way is a skill to acquire.
Rattlesnakes are encountered mainly in the wastelands around inhabited areas, but they may venture close to civilization to find food (mice, rats, gophers, frogs, and insects). They also may sun themselves on patios or steps right outside your door. They are shy, unless they are shedding their skin, and will stay out of your way if they have enough warning. However, you can't always count on them running away, so you should know what to do if you encounter one.
Identification is easy, especially in older snakes with well-developed rattles at the end of their tails. When disturbed, they make a distinctive buzzing sound. Rattlers have triangular heads and thick bodies of a mottled brown and tan color. Young snakes, which may not have grown rattles yet, are as poisonous as adults.
Hikers should know that a rattler may not always give the trademark warning sound, which sounds like a buzz. A snake taken unawares may strike without warning, and if it is shedding its skin it may be unusually aggressive. Stepping over logs or climbing up rocks should be done with extreme care, especially in hot weather or on winter days when bright sun may have brought snakes out of hibernation.
Preferred hiding places for rattlers are long grass and weeds that hide them from predators, and niches in the rocks. Hiking is safest on well-marked trails, although snakes may lie across the trail to catch the sun or hide near signs and barriers. Snakes may also be in the open when moving from place to place.
Using a walking stick to beat the brush in front of you sends a warning, and snakes will usually move away from the disturbance. A stout stick helps maintain balance, eliminating the need to stick your hand out - right on top of a rattler. Boots made of tough leather that cover the ankle are the best sort of footwear for hiking in snake territory. Sandals and low shoes offer little or no protection from snakebite.
Most bites occur on the hands, feet, and ankles, so wearing protective gear and keeping to trails is good policy. It's also important to check a campsite carefully to make sure it's not already occupied and to keep tent flaps closed to keep intruders out. Always shake out your bedding before climbing in, experts say, so you won't find a surprise inside your sleeping bag.
Fewer than one person a year dies from a rattlesnake bite in California, but on average about 300 people are bitten. Snakebites are rarer than attacks by dogs or bees, but they are still cause for concern. Learning how to avoid a snakebite is better than hoping to survive one. Hikers should travel in groups, stay alert, carry cell phones, and make sure people back home know the area they will be hiking in.
Rattlesnakes are encountered mainly in the wastelands around inhabited areas, but they may venture close to civilization to find food (mice, rats, gophers, frogs, and insects). They also may sun themselves on patios or steps right outside your door. They are shy, unless they are shedding their skin, and will stay out of your way if they have enough warning. However, you can't always count on them running away, so you should know what to do if you encounter one.
Identification is easy, especially in older snakes with well-developed rattles at the end of their tails. When disturbed, they make a distinctive buzzing sound. Rattlers have triangular heads and thick bodies of a mottled brown and tan color. Young snakes, which may not have grown rattles yet, are as poisonous as adults.
Hikers should know that a rattler may not always give the trademark warning sound, which sounds like a buzz. A snake taken unawares may strike without warning, and if it is shedding its skin it may be unusually aggressive. Stepping over logs or climbing up rocks should be done with extreme care, especially in hot weather or on winter days when bright sun may have brought snakes out of hibernation.
Preferred hiding places for rattlers are long grass and weeds that hide them from predators, and niches in the rocks. Hiking is safest on well-marked trails, although snakes may lie across the trail to catch the sun or hide near signs and barriers. Snakes may also be in the open when moving from place to place.
Using a walking stick to beat the brush in front of you sends a warning, and snakes will usually move away from the disturbance. A stout stick helps maintain balance, eliminating the need to stick your hand out - right on top of a rattler. Boots made of tough leather that cover the ankle are the best sort of footwear for hiking in snake territory. Sandals and low shoes offer little or no protection from snakebite.
Most bites occur on the hands, feet, and ankles, so wearing protective gear and keeping to trails is good policy. It's also important to check a campsite carefully to make sure it's not already occupied and to keep tent flaps closed to keep intruders out. Always shake out your bedding before climbing in, experts say, so you won't find a surprise inside your sleeping bag.
Fewer than one person a year dies from a rattlesnake bite in California, but on average about 300 people are bitten. Snakebites are rarer than attacks by dogs or bees, but they are still cause for concern. Learning how to avoid a snakebite is better than hoping to survive one. Hikers should travel in groups, stay alert, carry cell phones, and make sure people back home know the area they will be hiking in.
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