Rattlesnake Avoidance San Diego Style
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.
Anyone who hikes in the high desert country should know how to handle hazards they may encounter. This includes wild animals. Most wildlife will run away and hide if given sufficient warning, but sometimes even the wariest creatures are taken by surprise. If you accidentally sneak up on a snake, it's nice to be able to tell if it's poisonous or not.
Rattlesnakes have the typical triangular head and thick body that distinguishes a poisonous serpent. They are a mottled tan and brown color (most are, anyway; there is a green rattler in the Mojave desert) and have a rattle at the end of their tails. However, young snakes, which are as poisonous as the adults, may not have grown rattles yet, and older snakes can lose them to accident or injury.
Snakes that are surprised - by a hiker stepping over a log, for instance, or climbing over rocks - may strike without warning. Hot summer weather makes snakes more active, especially around sunset, and warm days in winter may bring them out to bask in the sun. Being aware of conditions that snakes prefer can tell hikers when to take extra care, but it always pays to be alert.
Since snakes are hard to see in the desert country, keeping away from their preferred places is a good idea. Snakes like cover and may hide in long grass, weeds, and brush. They also like the nooks and crannies of rocky hillsides, where they can hide from predators. If you do see a rattler, it will probably be traveling from one place to another or sunning itself on warm rocks or earth.
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.
On average, about three hundred people are bitten every year in California. Fatal bites are rare; it's more dangerous to be around bees or dogs than it is to come across a rattlesnake. However, better safe than sorry. Hikers should go with buddies, carry cell phones, and make sure people back home know their route and schedule.
Anyone who hikes in the high desert country should know how to handle hazards they may encounter. This includes wild animals. Most wildlife will run away and hide if given sufficient warning, but sometimes even the wariest creatures are taken by surprise. If you accidentally sneak up on a snake, it's nice to be able to tell if it's poisonous or not.
Rattlesnakes have the typical triangular head and thick body that distinguishes a poisonous serpent. They are a mottled tan and brown color (most are, anyway; there is a green rattler in the Mojave desert) and have a rattle at the end of their tails. However, young snakes, which are as poisonous as the adults, may not have grown rattles yet, and older snakes can lose them to accident or injury.
Snakes that are surprised - by a hiker stepping over a log, for instance, or climbing over rocks - may strike without warning. Hot summer weather makes snakes more active, especially around sunset, and warm days in winter may bring them out to bask in the sun. Being aware of conditions that snakes prefer can tell hikers when to take extra care, but it always pays to be alert.
Since snakes are hard to see in the desert country, keeping away from their preferred places is a good idea. Snakes like cover and may hide in long grass, weeds, and brush. They also like the nooks and crannies of rocky hillsides, where they can hide from predators. If you do see a rattler, it will probably be traveling from one place to another or sunning itself on warm rocks or earth.
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.
On average, about three hundred people are bitten every year in California. Fatal bites are rare; it's more dangerous to be around bees or dogs than it is to come across a rattlesnake. However, better safe than sorry. Hikers should go with buddies, carry cell phones, and make sure people back home know their route and schedule.
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