Watch For Rattlesnakes In East Bay Regional Parks, Officials Say

EAST BAY, CA — Temperatures are heating up in California, which brings rattlesnakes and gopher snakes out of brumation. East Bay Regional Park District officials Friday issued a warning to park visitors to be vigilant when visiting any of the 73 parks in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Officials said the process is normal for snakes and asks the visitors to leave the reptiles alone and use caution when hiking. Snakes help control rodent, insect, and other reptile populations.

Park officials said rattlesnakes have recently been spotted in Anthony Chabot, Lake Chabot, and Round Valley parks. In Livermore, rattlesnakes were spotted in Sycamore Grove Park in April, according to the Livermore Area Recreation & Park District.

Venomous rattlesnakes are especially active in warmer weather and a warm body allows rattlesnakes to move more quickly to catch prey, park 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.

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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.

Safety Tips for Visiting Any of the 73 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. Also bring plenty of water for yourself and your pets as many parks do not have direct water supply.
7. Keep pets on the designated trails and away from snakes if they see one.

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. 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, leave the snake alone. 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 rattlesnake bite. Other snakebites may leave multiple teeth marks without associated burning pain.

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