Claremont Residents Reminded Snakes Share the Parks

 Claremont city officials remind residents to be careful while hiking as officials continually receive reports of rattlesnake sightings in the Claremont Hillsides Wilderness Park and Sycamore Canyon Park.

“Rattlesnakes are particularly active during warm weather,” wrote city manager Tony Ramos in his weekly public city update. “As we approach the summer months, please use caution when entering wilderness areas.”  

The rattlers are not generally aggressive but they may strike when they feel threatened or are provoked. The Department of Fish and Wildlife advises hikers to follow safety measures to reduce the risk of startling a snake.

• They offer the following tips:
• Wear hiking boots and loose-fitting long pants.
• Never walk through wild areas barefoot or in sandals.
• Stick to well-used trails.
• Avoid tall grass, weeds, and heavy underbrush where snakes may hide.
• Do not step or put hands where you cannot see.
• Never hike alone.
• Teach children to respect snakes and leave them alone.