Rattlesnakes Emerge In East Bay Amid Hot Weather

EAST BAY, CA — Undeterred by our social distancing guidelines, rattlesnakes are emerging in East Bay parks and open spaces as the weather heats up in the region. One four-foot rattlesnake was spotted hanging out on the side of a trail Saturday at Diablo Foothills Regional Park near Walnut Creek, officials said.

"Remember to keep your social distance from other park users as well as park wildlife," the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department said on Facebook.

During past rattlesnake seasons, East Bay officials have advised the public to take the following precautions when visiting regional parks:

1. Always hike with a friend so you can help each other in case of emergency.
2. Look at the ground ahead of you as you are walking.
3. Look carefully around and under logs and rocks before sitting down.
4. Avoid placing your hands or feet where you can't see clearly.
5. Check the area around picnic tables, campsites, and barbecues before using them. If you encounter a rattlesnake in these areas, notify park staff.
6. Keep pets on the designated trails and away from snakes if they see one.
7. Bring plenty of water for yourself and your pets as many parks do not have a direct water supply.

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.

What to Do If Bitten by a Snake:

1. If 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. Do not waste precious time on tourniquets, "sucking," or snake bite kits. If you are by yourself, walk calmly to the nearest source of help to dial 911. Do not run.
2. If bitten by any other kind of snake, wash the wound with soap and water or an antiseptic and seek medical attention.
3. 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 rattle snake bite. Other snakebites may leave multiple teeth marks without associated burning pain.

Snakes are an important resource in the natural environment. They are prime controlling agents of rodent, insect, and other reptile populations, according to the district. They must be enjoyed from afar and left where they are found; it is illegal to collect, kill, or remove any plants or animals from the East Bay Regional Park District, according to officials, who asked the public to help protect wildlife and their environment for present and future generations.

Additional information is available at www.ebparks.org/parks/safety/#Snakes or download a PDF version of our Common Snakes.

Patch staffer Toni McAllister contributed to this report.