Lake County is home to thousands of rattlesnakes and with the warmer than normal weather we’ve been having they are already being seen. One person told me he noticed a rattler coiled under his deck only last week. They are common in the Highland Springs area and on Cow Mountain. In fact, rattlesnakes are often seen on the disc golf course at Highland Springs.
Other areas where you will see a lot of rattlers include Mount Konocti and Indian Valley Reservoir. In fact, on the hiking road to the summit of Mount Konocti there are signs posted to be alert for rattlesnakes. Just about every location in Lake County, with the exception of the high country such as Hull and Snow mountains, holds a good number of rattlesnakes.
Springtime is when rattlers come out from their dens to breed. They also have their young during the spring months. According to the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), the rattlesnake is the state’s only venomous snake. There are seven different species of rattlesnake in California. The most common one in Lake County is the Northern Pacific.
Generally not aggressive, rattlesnakes strike when threatened or deliberately provoked, but given room they will retreat. Most snake bites occur when a rattlesnake is handled or accidentally touched by someone walking or climbing. The majority of snakebites occur on the hands, feet and ankles. Rattlesnakes can cause serious injury to humans on rare occasions. The California Poison Control Center notes that rattlesnakes account for more than 800 bites each year with one to two deaths. Most bites occur between the months of April and October when snakes and humans are most active outdoors. About 25 percent of the bites are “dry,” meaning no venom is injected, but the bites still require medical treatment.
Rattlesnakes are often found around old barns and other buildings because these structures normally have an abundance of mice and ground squirrels, which are the primary food source for rattlers. These old buildings also offer dark, damp areas where the rattlesnakes like to hide. In other words don’t stick your hand under the floorboards or in an old lumber pile.
Non-venomous snakes are often mistaken for a rattler. A rattlesnake is a heavy-bodied, blunt-tailed snake with one or more rattles on the tail. It has a triangular-shaped head, much broader at the back than at the front, and a distinct “neck” region. The rattlesnake also has openings between the nostrils and eyes, a heat-sensing pit. The eyes are hooded with elliptical pupils. Additional identifying characteristics include a series of dark and light bands near the tail, just before the rattles. They are different from the markings on the rest of the body. Also note that rattles may not always be present as they are often lost through breakage and are not always developed in young snakes.
Despite their reputation, rattlesnakes are shy creatures. They go out of their way to avoid humans and other critters. Coyotes, hawks and eagles often kill a rattlesnake for food. They get the rattlesnake to strike at them and since rattlesnakes tire easily, it is exhausted after two or three strikes. That’s when a coyote or other predator grabs the rattler and kills it.
According to the DFW, if the worst happens and you’re actually bitten by a rattler, there are several actions you should take. The first thing is stay calm. Get medical help as soon as possible. If you’re more than 30 minutes away from medical help keep the bite area below the heart. If you’re bitten on the finger or hand, immediately remove rings or watches because they may constrict swelling. Most people carry cell phones today. If you’re alone in the woods, call for help. All the local hospitals carry anti-venom or can get it in a hurry. In the worst case scenario a victim will be flown to another hospital where he/she can be treated.
Don’t indiscriminately kill a rattlesnake if it isn’t threatening you. If you meet up with one in the woods just walk around it. Actually, rattlesnakes are an important part of the ecosystem. They control rodents and other vermin. They were here long before humans walked on this earth and will be here long after we are all gone.
