RATTLERS COMING OUT OF HIDING

April 2018 Articles

rattlesnakes

By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office

April 3, 2018 (San Diego's East County) - You might think it’s too early for prime rattlesnake season but you should watch your step now. Dozens have already been sighted this year and the numbers have spiked in April the last two years.

“We always say that every season is rattlesnake season because of the moderate climate in San Diego County,” said County Animal Services Director Daniel DeSousa. “But when the temperatures start rising in the spring, so do rattlesnake sightings, and calls come in from the coast to the mountains.”

So far, County Animal Services has responded to 82 rattlesnake calls between Jan. 1 and March 31. Those numbers are low compared to the same time frame in 2017 when calls rose to 188. In 2016, the first three months showed 165 calls.

DeSousa can’t account for why the number is low for this year but he can say that April has seen the highest number of rattlesnake calls in 2016 and 2017.

If you see a rattlesnake on your property, County Animal Services recommends keeping an eye on it from a safe distance and giving them a call. Animal control officers will impound the snake and remove it to an area where it doesn’t pose a risk to the public.

If you live in the County’s unincorporated areas or the cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, San Diego, Santee or Solana Beach, call Animal Services at (619) 236-2341 for help removing rattlesnakes from your residence. Otherwise, call the animal control agency for your city.

Find out how to avoid rattlesnake encounters and what to do if you are bitten in these tips we put together several years ago. You can also visit County Animal Services website for more rattlesnake information.

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Comments

Horse Scare & ( Pellet Gun Tip ) On Property

Easter Weekend We hit the desert for camping last time this year or till winter...My wife's horse jammed on the breaks at a pass in Mason Valley, turned on hind feet and said not going that way. The rattle sound was loud enough .... On a GoPro well done Horse... Had one on the pool area last year in Alpine, Little bugger was pushed into our yard from ground work next door. Non the less I have Pup's , I was told use the pellet gun hit it in the center first (it stops its motion and balls up ), Sure enough it did and one other shot in the head it was in the trash. ( Done 15 feet away ). For those that may cry for the little critter, I see pest control trucks all over alpine... They kill things too.... A rattler if on my property is not going to kill one of my pups. Cheers remember the Pellet gun tip! And use a high quality one and make it quick...

THE SOUND OF SILENCE

Also, they don't always make a rattling sound before initiating a strike! When they do, there's no mistaking it if you've heard one before.

SNAKES ARE GOOD FOR NATURE

Not so much for a human or pet if bitten. Pain, suffering, body damage, the high cost of medical treatment - especially anti venom... They can strike a long distance, and are very fast. Be especially careful hiking and even in your yard if living in or near their normal habitats. They usually blend in with their surroundings quite well and can be very difficult to see.