A poll of my public speaking group several years ago revealed that for some of the group, snakes are their biggest fear (I guess for the rest it was public speaking, hence their membership in the group). This was very surprising to me, so I decided to try to educate the group about these fascinating creatures, and hopefully dispel some of the fear. Hopefully if you are afraid of snakes, the following information will help you also.
Ok, first of all a little background. While we have several species of snakes in San Diego County, we only have three species of venomous snakes in coastal/foothill parts of the County. You guessed it, the rattlesnakes. While some other snakes such as a gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer) may imitate the rattle snake by shaking its tail and flattening its head into a similar shape as the rattlesnake, only the rattlesnakes have actual rattles on the tail.
Gopher snake (photo courtesy of Brian Lohstroh)
The species you are most likely to encounter near the coast is the southern Pacific rattlesnake (Croatlus helleri). This snake is variable in color but is generally a gray to brown and can be found in a variety of habitats including scrub and chaparral and disturbed areas like yards, trails, golf courses, parks, etc. They can get up to four feet long but are generally about 2.5 feet. They eat small mammals such as mice and rats, and also birds and reptiles.
Southern Pacific rattlesnake (photo courtesy of Brian Lohstroh)
You also may encounter the red diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber). Young start as grayish and become reddish-tan, getting more red as they age (to sometimes a beautiful brick red, especially at more inland sites) with a light diamond-edged pattern on the back. This snake is about the same size as the southern Pacific rattlesnake, maybe slightly larger. It has a black-and-white ringed tail. This species is more commonly found in areas of rock and brush further away from urban areas. It eats rodents, rabbits, other small mammals, and some birds. It is noted for its mellow disposition—some may not even rattle when encountered, but your mileage may vary. Personally, I prefer it when rattlesnakes rattle! This snake is a California Special Concern Species because it is not very abundant.
Red diamond rattlesnake (photo courtesy of Brian Lohstroh)
West of the mountains, we also have a third, the speckled rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii). Like its name suggests, it is very speckly, often with black spots making it look like the decomposed granite soils and rocks it is often found on (you know the salt-and-pepper looking rocks?). It is most abundant in rocky areas away from the coast, not usually seen in coastal areas.
Speckled rattlesnake (photo courtesy of Brian Lohstroh)
We are definitely in “snakeland” in San Diego County. If you live anywhere near native habitat, you may encounter rattlesnakes in your own yard from time to time, particularly in the spring as the snakes emerge from hibernation to sun themselves, and then forage for food and find mates. One spring I spent approximately 25 days on a project site in eastern Chula Vista, and I encountered about two rattlesnakes (and one million ticks) every single day. After each encounter I would spend the rest of the day with my hair standing on end over any little snap, crackle or pop around me.
Of course it is frightening to encounter an irate rattlesnake in the wild, but let’s look at the numbers:
- There are a total of about 800 rattlesnake bites per year in California, resulting in only 1 or two deaths
- 25% of snakebites are dry, with no venom injected.
- 55% of snake bites were from victims grabbing or handling the rattlesnakes, and in 28 percent of those cases, the victim was intoxicated. Thus the typical snakebite victim is male, under thirty, and drunk.
So what can you do to protect yourself from snakebites? Remember that snakes generally don’t bite unless provoked. Many bites happen if a snake is accidentally stepped on while walking or touched while climbing or reaching for something. So, obviously do not grab or handle a rattlesnake, but also do not walk around barefoot outside. Wear hiking boots and long pants if in brushy areas. Get a pair of these gaiters—my favorite field gear ever, because even though I have never even been struck at once by a rattlesnake in my 20 years of working in the field, it sure does give you peace of mind to go about your business. Plus, you look super cool wearing them.
Snake gaiters (photo courtesy of Forestry Suppliers)
Always step or put your hands only where you can see first—never grab blindly. Watch out, especially, on piles of rocks, or if gathering or handling or firewood or anything outside a snake may be hunkered down in.
In your own yard, if you really have a problem you can install a solid or mesh (with no larger than ¼ inch openings) fence of at least 3 feet high around the perimeter of your yard, away from other vegetation which the snake could use as a bridge over the fence. Angle outward at 30% and bury three inches deep into the ground.
Keep piles of boards or rocks away from the home, and keep lids on trash cans, because if you are attracting any rodents there is a good chance you will eventually attract snakes also.
If you do get bitten, which is EXTREMELY UNLIKELY, stay calm and wash the bite area gently with soap and water. Remove constricting items such as watches, rings, etc., and immobilize the affected area. Do not use a tourniquet. Transport safely to the nearest medical facility immediately. Don’t try to suck out the venom like in the movies—this does not work, and it may do more harm than good.
Hopefully these tips will reassure you that while fear of snakes is natural and normal, it should not be your number one phobia. Keep your eye on where you are stepping or reaching, get some snake guards—and remember that you are very unlikely to get bitten, and if you do, you are almost certainly going to be just fine.
Michelle Balk, CEO