Beware of Rattlesnakes, Parks Warn

Rattlesnakes are on the move in East Bay Regional Parks and officials are asking visitors to keep in mind safety precautions. Reports of snakes – most notably rattlesnakes – along some regional park trails have increased over the past few weeks, prompting a warning issued last week by park staff.

Snakes emerge in warm spring weather to explore their environment, which can lead to more encounters with humans and dogs. When visiting East Bay Regional Parks at this time of year, park officials have some good advice on what to do if you see a rattlesnake.

“Leave it alone—do not try to capture or harm it. All park wildlife is protected by law. If you see a snake on a trail, wait for it to cross and do not approach. Then move carefully and slowly away,” EBRPD officials said.

Other safety tips include:

·       Avoid hiking alone so you have help in case of an emergency.

·       Scan the ground ahead of you as you walk, jog, or ride. Stay on trails and avoid walking in tall grass.

·       Look carefully around and under logs and rocks before sitting down.

·       Avoid placing your hands or feet where you cannot see clearly.

·       Keep dogs on designated trails and away from snakes if they see one.

If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, stay calm and send someone to call 911. Remain calm by lying down with the affected limb lower than the heart. Getting medical attention quickly is critical.

“Do not spend time on tourniquets, sucking out the poison, or on snakebite kits. If you are by yourself, walk calmly to the nearest source of help to dial 911. Do not run,” EBRPD officials said.

If bitten by any other kind of snake, wash the wound with soap and water or an antiseptic and seek medical attention.

If you are not sure what kind of snake bit you, check the bite for two puncture marks (in rare cases one puncture mark) associated with intense, burning pain. This is typical of a rattlesnake bite. Other snakebites may leave multiple teeth marks without associated burning pain.

To learn how to tell the difference between rattlesnakes and gopher snakes check out the video on our MyCVForum.com website. Additional information is available at ebparks.org/safety/wildlife-encounters.