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With a heat advisory in effect and temperatures soaring across San Diego County, there has been an increase in rattlesnake sightings throughout the region.
This sudden stretch of hot weather is creating ideal conditions for rattlesnakes to become more active. When temperatures rise, rattlesnakes come out to warm themselves, look for food, and find shady places to cool off. All this extra movement makes them easier to spot on trails and near homes, especially when the season heats up earlier than usual.
Rattlesnakes are common in San Diego, especially in rural or canyon areas and when the weather warms up. They are part of our ecosystem and play an important role in population control of small mammals such as rats and mice. Because of the part they play in local ecosystems, they are fully protected within San Diego County Parks.
Rattlesnakes are easily identifiable by their large triangular head, narrow neck, and wide body with a pronounced ridge running down the middle of their backs. Rattlesnakes are also less shiny than most other snakes in the County. Although rattlesnakes can be seen year-round in Southern California, most sightings occur from April to June.
Did you know?
Rattlesnakes use their forked tongue to taste the smell of the air.
They can sense both reflected visual light (like humans) and infrared light which is given off by an animal’s body heat.
What should you do if you hear or see a rattlesnake?
You will likely hear the rattle before you see the snake. A rattle is the rattlesnake’s way of warning an intruder of its presence. Pay attention to this sign and be even more aware of your surroundings by staying on the trail, where it is easiest to identify a rattlesnake.
To prevent being bitten, the best advice is to leave the snake alone. Most bites occur when a person tries to pick up, tease or kill a snake. If you give snakes an escape route, they’ll avoid you rather than strike.
If you are bitten, it is important to remember to:
Stay calm.
Immobilize the bitten extremity – DO NOT apply a bandage or ice, and do not try to cut or suck out the venom.
Wash the skin – soap and water works best, or an antiseptic wipe.
Remove any jewelry or tight-fitting clothing, in case of swelling.
Call for help – call 911 to get medical attention as soon as possible; if you have to find a phone, walk at a relaxed pace.
Safety is a priority at County Parks. When you use your best common sense, it is easy to stay safe around rattlesnakes whether you are on a trail, out camping, or even in your own backyard.
On Your Property
If you see a rattlesnake on your property and you live in the County’s unincorporated areas or the cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, San Diego, Santee or Solana Beach, keep an eye on the snake from a safe distance and call County Animal Services at 619-236‑2341. Animal control officers can safely remove the snake and relocate it away from the public.
If you live in any other city, please contact your local animal control agency for assistance.