The rise is drawing concern from wildlife and medical experts, particularly as warmer weather sends more people onto trails, into parks and through open-space areas across Southern California and the Inland Empire. Rattlesnakes are common in the region’s foothills, deserts and brush-covered areas, and encounters can increase when temperatures climb.

Experts are urging hikers, homeowners and pet owners to stay alert and keep a safe distance from any rattlesnake they see. People should avoid reaching into brush or rock piles, watch where they step, keep dogs leashed on trails and never attempt to touch, move or kill a snake.

Anyone bitten by a rattlesnake should seek emergency medical care immediately. Pet owners are also advised to contact a veterinarian right away if a dog or cat is bitten.

Investigators are looking into whether environmental conditions may be contributing to the early spike in encounters. In the meantime, officials say caution is the best protection as snake activity continues through the warmer months.

Original source: CalMatters

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“We responded to two rattlesnake calls in Murrieta in the past week,” said spokesperson Dawn Morrison, “both in the Copper Canyon area.”

That western part of Murrieta borders on Murrieta Creek, with much open land and natural landscape, which is where the rattlers call home.

“They are indigenous to the area, and this is where they live,” Morrison said, noting that rattlesnakes are venomous and can be dangerous to people and pets.

Murrieta’s firefighters undergo rattlesnake training annually, she added, and the service is available to all who live in the city the department serves.

In the class, firefighters learn how to pick the rattlers up with a ‘snake stick,’ place them carefully into a bucket, and take them for release away from nearby homes, she told Patch.

Many residents say they were unaware the fire department offered rattlesnake removal.

Protect your family and pets by being aware of your surroundings. If you spot a rattlesnake, keep your distance and dial 9-1-1. Murrieta Fire is here to help!

Murrieta is one of the few departments offering this service to Riverside County residents. In the heat of the summer, they can go on three to five rattler calls a week.

In a previous Patch report, Murrieta fire reminded residents that most snakes “will take shelter during the heat of the day under things like plywood, wood piles and tree branches or anything that would shade them from the heat of the day and that they should be careful while cleaning up or moving objects that may provide such shelter.”

If you don’t live in Murrieta, note that Cal Fire/Riverside County Firefighters do not provide snake retrieval services. Still, Cal Fire firefighters will always assist where needed and can help contact authorities such as animal control, spokesperson Maggie Cline De La Rosa told Patch.

Other snake retrieval companies are out there, but they could sometimes be pricey.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends avoiding snakes if spotted in the wild. According to that website, “rattlesnakes typically avoid people. Bites are uncommon but can occur if a snake feels threatened. Most bites occur between April and October, when snakes and humans are most active outdoors. Prevention is key to avoiding unwanted encounters. “

• Stay alert when outdoors.
• Wear sturdy boots and loose-fitting long pants. DO NOT wear sandals or flip-flops in brushy areas.
• Stay on well-used trails. Avoid tall grass, weeds, and heavy underbrush.
• Check rocks, stumps or logs before sitting down.
• Shake out sleeping bag and tent before use.
• Let others know where you are going, when you plan to return, and carry a cell phone. Hike with a companion when possible.
• DO NOT grab “sticks” in water. Rattlesnakes can swim.
• DO NOT let dogs off leash. Dogs are at increased risk when sniffing the ground near brushy areas.
• DO NOT try to touch or handle a snake, dead or alive. Dead rattlers may still inject venom shortly after death.

For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov.

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