Rattlesnakes Spotted In Tri-Valley

DUBLIN, CA — Many Tri-Valley residents have reported a sharp increase of rattlesnake sightings over the past several weeks. Last week, Dublin residents reported seeing rattlesnakes and kingsnakes in the Dublin and Silvera Ranch areas. Rattlesnakes are especially active in warmer weather and a warm body allows rattlesnakes to move more quickly to catch prey, East Bay Regional Park District officials recently said in an article.

Earlier this month, a 47-year-old San Jose man was bitten by a snake while in Fremont and a dog was bitten at Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore. Additionally, rattlesnakes were seen in a park in Walnut Creek, a park in Pittsburg and at the park district's police headquarters at Lake Chabot Regional Park.

"Snakes don't really want to have anything to do with humans," park district spokeswoman Carol Johnson said in a previous article.

Following a few simple tips can help you lower your chances of experiencing a snakebite.

See Also:

• Dog Suffers Snake Bite At Del Valle Regional Park

Rattlesnake Safety Tips:

• If you see a snake, stop and keep your distance. Give the snake plenty of room to get away.
• When hiking, wear heavy boots that are four inches above the ankle, and long pants.
• In hot weather, snakes seek cool areas. Always watch where you step and be sure to look for snakes in areas of high brush, under logs and when stepping over logs, or fallen trees.
• In cool weather, snakes seek warmer areas. Be observant for snakes sunning on rocks or trails, especially during the cooler times of day.
• NEVER try to touch a snake or scare it away; give the snake space and back away to a safe place.
• Tell a ranger or park staff if you see a snake, and NEVER try to catch it.
In the rare case of being bitten by a snake, remember these steps:
Do not panic, remain calm, and slowly move away from the snake.
• Call 9-1-1 or send someone for help.
• DO NOT apply a cold pack, tourniquet, cut the bite, or attempt to suck out venom.
• Avoid movement of the area that was bitten.
• Keep the bite at or below heart level.
• Do not attempt to kill or catch the snake. Do try to remember what the snake looked like.
• If possible, take note of the time the bite occurred.
• Remember to remain calm and wait for help to arrive.

David McNew / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Patch Editor Susan C. Schena and Bay City News contributed to this story.