With this year’s early spring, East Bay Regional Park District staff and visitors have observed the re-emergence of snakes – most notably rattlesnakes – seen periodically along the park’s trails that make up their natural habitat.
When the weather gets warm, snakes come out to explore their environment, which can lead to more encounters with humans and dogs.
The East Bay Regional Park District is advising that the public take snake safety precautions when visiting Regional Parks.
Safety Tips for Visiting Regional Parks
- Avoid hiking alone so you have help in case of emergency. (Per local health orders, hike only with members of your immediate household during COVID-19)
- Scan the ground ahead of you as you walk, jog, or ride. Stay on trails and avoid walking in tall grass.
- Look carefully around and under logs and rocks before sitting down.
- Avoid placing your hands or feet where you cannot see clearly.
- Keep leashed pets on designated trails and away from snakes if they see one. (All dogs should be on-leash at all times, in all parks during COVID-19)
- Bring plenty of water for yourself and your pets as drinking fountains are temporarily closed. 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
- 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. Getting medical attention quickly is critical – do not spend 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.
- If bitten by any other kind of snake, wash the wound with soap and water or an antiseptic and seek medical attention.
- 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.
It is illegal to collect, kill, or remove any plants or animals from the East Bay Regional Park District.
9 comments
Saw a rattler in Livermore and a King on the Indian Creek trail in WC.
108RS
So the guy rushes back to his friend after taking to the doctor, and his friend asks “what did he say?” . The guy says to his friend “he said you’re gonna die”…
Gopher snakes look similar to rattlesnakes. Consider Googling the differences.
qwerty,
Triangle head….rattles on tale = rattler. Stay offline until you know something.
108RS
Hmmmm, wonder where he got bit yuk yuk yuk
I believe that the park should do everything they can to eradicate rattlesnakes out of our walking areas.It is so dangerous for small pets, children and people that walk on the trails.Yes they are part of our landscape however there is plenty of open space for them to breed and they are not near extinct.People should come first. Rattlers are deadly. You do not allow other deadly items to be laying around walking areas why are rattlesnakes not eradicated? It’s just crazy!
They should just put up a bunch of “Snake Free Zone” signs. That’ll take care of it.
Teri,
Those that don’t know how to recognize a potential hazard should stick to walking in mall, streets and neighborhood parks. While you’re stuck in your house because of CV19, the rattlers eliminate carriers of the plague.
108RS
Teri: I sympathize with your concern, but eradicating rattlers is irresponsible husbandry. Rattlesnakes help keep rodent populations manageable. Better to not introduce the young into dangerous parks until they can fend for themselves.
I roamed the wild trails and SoCal as a child. The hills were known to house snakes of all kinds. I was told to keep to the trails, listen and watch for rattlers. I was safe, even without a stick. Granted, I roamed with the dogs.
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