Rattlesnakes Spotted Around San Diego County

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA – Rattlesnake season is here in San Diego County. Dozens of rattlers have already been spotted around the region, according to County Animal Services.

"We always say that every season is rattlesnake season because of the moderate climate in San Diego County," County Animal Services Director Daniel DeSousa said. "But when the temperatures start rising in the spring, so do rattlesnake sightings, and calls come in from the coast to the mountains."

County Animal Services responded to 82 rattlesnake calls from the start of January through the end of March. Those numbers are low, however, compared to the past two years. In 2017, there were 188 calls in the first three months of the year. In 2016, there were 165 calls during the same time period.

DeSousa can't account for the lower number this year, but he pointed out that April has seen the highest number of rattlesnake calls in 2016 and 2017.

If you see a rattlesnake on your property, keep an eye on it from a safe distance and call County Animal Services. Animal control officers will impound the snake and remove it to an area where it doesn't pose a risk to the public.

If you live in the county's unincorporated areas or the cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, San Diego, Santee or Solana Beach, call Animal Services at 619-236-2341 for help removing rattlesnakes from your residence. Otherwise, call the animal control agency for your city.

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