“We’re very busy,” said snake wrangler Bruce Ireland, who expects to respond to a record number of snake-related calls this year.
SAN DIEGO — San Diego hikers are urged to exercise caution as experts report an increase in rattlesnake sightings this season. Snake season runs from April through October, and this year has seen a notable rise in calls related to encounters with these reptiles, according to snake wrangler Bruce Ireland.
New video captured earlier this week shows two adult male rattlesnakes fighting near Torrey Pines, showcasing the heightened activity among rattlesnakes in the area. “We’re very busy,” said Ireland, who has a team of over 50 volunteers ready to respond to snake-related calls.
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The uptick in sightings is attributed to a wet winter followed by sudden heat waves that disrupted the snakes’ traditional hibernation schedules. Ireland noted that snakes are most active in the early morning and evening as they try to escape the intense heat. “They’re cold blooded, so they have to regulate their body temps,” he explained.
In addition to the increased sightings, California Poison Control receives around 400 rattlesnake bite reports each year. So far this year, they have already logged more than 250 bites and anticipate a 20% increase in incidents.
If you encounter a rattlesnake, experts advise staying on marked paths and leaving the snake alone. If bitten, move away from the snake, try to remain calm, and call 911, as paramedics can direct you to hospitals equipped with anti-venom. Ireland emphasized do not drive yourself to a clinic, since most urgent cares don’t carry it. Rapid medical treatment is crucial for snakebite victims.