Rattlesnake season has come early this year with them being spotted more frequently throughout the valley.
Cort Klopping, a spokesman for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, said that due to the weather being much warmer early, rattlesnakes were more likely to come out earlier.
“So that’s why we are experiencing an increase in rattlesnake activity and sightings. That’s due to a couple of factors. One is that rattlesnakes are coming out to go find mates, as well as to forage. So, they’re, they’re out hunting, and they’re out looking for mates. Those two things are really driven by the temperatures warming up,” Klopping said.
He added that people who spot a rattlesnake must be wary and keep a distance from them.
“Do not approach them, even if it appears that the snake is dead, the snake can still inject venom shortly after death. So that’s something that you just want to stay away from. Make sure you’re wearing sturdy boots and loose-fitting long pants,” Klopping said. “If you’re going out hiking in an area where it’s rattlesnake habitat, you definitely don’t want to wear sandals or flip flops if it’s in brushy areas.”
Klopping said that in the case of a snake bite, stay calm and act quickly.
“Get to a medical facility as soon as you possibly can so that anti-venom can be administered,” Klopping said.
Klopping recommends that people should remove items that could constrict swelling like watches, rings, shoes, and tight clothing.
“Do not apply a tourniquet, do not pack the bite area with ice. Don’t cut the wound with a knife or razor and do not use your mouth to suck out the venom,” he added.
Cary Quashen, owner of Action Drug Rehabs – Santa Clarita Outpatient Services, said he has been helping people with what to do if they have rattlesnakes.
“I was on somebody’s porch; she couldn’t leave her house. Literally, it was a three-foot rattlesnake on her porch. And, like, crazy, so we rushed over there, and we got it out. The other thing I want to do is teach people that these are not bad snakes. They’re just venomous snakes.”
