VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) — California is home to many different kinds of snakes, including seven species of rattlesnakes, and doctors say the risk of bites rises as temperatures warm.

A common rattlesnake in Central California is the Northern Pacific rattlesnake. With rattlesnake season typically running during the warmer months between April and October, doctors are reminding people that prevention is critical.

“It’s much easier to prevent a snake bite than it is to treat one in the emergency room,” said Dr. Allegra Newland, an emergency medicine doctor with Kaweah Health.

Newland said people should be aware that rattlesnakes are active this time of year.

“Number one thing to be aware of is that the snakes are out there,” she said.

The California Poison Control reports receiving hundreds of rattlesnake exposure calls every year. Newland said they’ve already seen severe cases this season.

“It’s definitely picked up over the past two weeks,” she said.

Kaweah Health uses anti-venom to treat people who suffer a rattlesnake bite. Doctors say if a bite is not treated right away, it can lead to serious health problems.

“If you are envenomated, it will involve some pain and swelling at the local site. After about 30 minutes or so, one can proceed to more systemic symptoms. Generalized malaise, nausea, dizziness,” Newland said.

Health experts say anyone bitten by a rattlesnake should stay calm, act quickly and seek immediate medical help.

“Clothing and jewelry should come off. In addition to that, restricting movement is going to be really important. Not just necessarily overall movement, but movement of the affected extremity,” she said.

Newland also warned against using a tourniquet, saying it can do more harm than good.

As more people head outdoors, doctors urge residents to stay aware of their surroundings and keep a safe distance when encountering wildlife.

If someone sees a rattlesnake, doctors say it’s best to walk the other way.

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