Most of us try to ignore the fact that we share the planet with snakes. However, the fact is that there are many species of these reptiles all over the place. Knowing how to practice rattlesnake avoidance San Diego County style is important if you live there or plan to visit Poway, CA.
Hiking and camping in wilderness areas is fun, but it's important to know the hazards of the trail. This includes knowing what kind of wildlife you might encounter in the places you plan to go. Most wildlife will stay away and out of sight if possible, but you can't count on that. It's helpful to know how to tell a poisonous snake from a harmless one, for instance.
Identification is easy, especially in older snakes with well-developed rattles at the end of their tails. When disturbed, they make a distinctive buzzing sound. Rattlers have triangular heads and thick bodies of a mottled brown and tan color. Young snakes, which may not have grown rattles yet, are as poisonous as adults.
Snakes that are surprised - by a hiker stepping over a log, for instance, or climbing over rocks - may strike without warning. Hot summer weather makes snakes more active, especially around sunset, and warm days in winter may bring them out to bask in the sun. Being aware of conditions that snakes prefer can tell hikers when to take extra care, but it always pays to be alert.
Since snakes are hard to see in the desert country, keeping away from their preferred places is a good idea. Snakes like cover and may hide in long grass, weeds, and brush. They also like the nooks and crannies of rocky hillsides, where they can hide from predators. If you do see a rattler, it will probably be traveling from one place to another or sunning itself on warm rocks or earth.
Using a walking stick to beat the brush in front of you sends a warning, and snakes will usually move away from the disturbance. A stout stick helps maintain balance, eliminating the need to stick your hand out - right on top of a rattler. Boots made of tough leather that cover the ankle are the best sort of footwear for hiking in snake territory. Sandals and low shoes offer little or no protection from snakebite.
Most bites occur on the hands, feet, or ankles. Campsites should be examined with care, preferably in daylight, to make sure snakes have not gathered there. Tent flaps should be kept closed to keep snakes out, and sleeping bags kept rolled up until time to sleep. Rattlers can be attracted to the warmth of a sleeping person or might hide in bedding.
About 300 people a year are bitten by rattlers in California. Almost all victims recover with treatment; bees and dogs are more dangerous than reptiles. However, a rattler bite is painful and potentially lethal, so it's best avoided. Hikers should go in pairs, carry a cell phone, and make sure people back home know their route and their expected return time.
Hiking and camping in wilderness areas is fun, but it's important to know the hazards of the trail. This includes knowing what kind of wildlife you might encounter in the places you plan to go. Most wildlife will stay away and out of sight if possible, but you can't count on that. It's helpful to know how to tell a poisonous snake from a harmless one, for instance.
Identification is easy, especially in older snakes with well-developed rattles at the end of their tails. When disturbed, they make a distinctive buzzing sound. Rattlers have triangular heads and thick bodies of a mottled brown and tan color. Young snakes, which may not have grown rattles yet, are as poisonous as adults.
Snakes that are surprised - by a hiker stepping over a log, for instance, or climbing over rocks - may strike without warning. Hot summer weather makes snakes more active, especially around sunset, and warm days in winter may bring them out to bask in the sun. Being aware of conditions that snakes prefer can tell hikers when to take extra care, but it always pays to be alert.
Since snakes are hard to see in the desert country, keeping away from their preferred places is a good idea. Snakes like cover and may hide in long grass, weeds, and brush. They also like the nooks and crannies of rocky hillsides, where they can hide from predators. If you do see a rattler, it will probably be traveling from one place to another or sunning itself on warm rocks or earth.
Using a walking stick to beat the brush in front of you sends a warning, and snakes will usually move away from the disturbance. A stout stick helps maintain balance, eliminating the need to stick your hand out - right on top of a rattler. Boots made of tough leather that cover the ankle are the best sort of footwear for hiking in snake territory. Sandals and low shoes offer little or no protection from snakebite.
Most bites occur on the hands, feet, or ankles. Campsites should be examined with care, preferably in daylight, to make sure snakes have not gathered there. Tent flaps should be kept closed to keep snakes out, and sleeping bags kept rolled up until time to sleep. Rattlers can be attracted to the warmth of a sleeping person or might hide in bedding.
About 300 people a year are bitten by rattlers in California. Almost all victims recover with treatment; bees and dogs are more dangerous than reptiles. However, a rattler bite is painful and potentially lethal, so it's best avoided. Hikers should go in pairs, carry a cell phone, and make sure people back home know their route and their expected return time.
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