Rattlesnakes Spotted At Sycamore Grove Park

LIVERMORE, CA — Temperatures warmed up last week, which brought several rattlesnakes and gopher snakes out of brumation. The snakes were recently spotted at Sycamore Grove Park in Livermore, according to the Livermore Area Recreation & Park District. The park district says the process is normal for snakes and asks the public to leave the reptiles alone.

Each year, park district officials are urge visitors to be careful during spring and summer when snakes are more active. Venomous rattlesnakes are especially active in warmer weather and a warm body allows rattlesnakes to move more quickly to catch prey, parks officials said in a previous report.

A rattlesnake can be recognized by its triangular head that is slightly wider than its neck, a thick body with dull skin and black and white bands on its tail. The tip of the tail has a rattle. Caution is also advised because a rattlesnake may not warn its victim by shaking its rattle. But if they do, the rattle will sound like sizzling bacon, park officials said.

Although bites are rare, visitors are warned to avoid trying to capture or harm a snake since all wild animals in the parks are protected by law. Visitors are encouraged to get in touch with park staff if a rattlesnake is seen. If bitten, parks officials urge people to consider it serious.

Bay City News contributed to this report.

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