Hikers beware: Rattlesnake sightings jump in SoCal amid warmer temperatures
Hikers heading out on Southern California trails are being cautioned after a troubling rise in rattlesnake sightings.
Snake handlers say reports of the venomous reptiles have surged as warmer-than-usual weather appears to be drawing them out of hibernation earlier than normal. Bruce Ireland, founder of the reptile relocation group Snake Wranglers, told Fox 5 San Diego that the number of calls has climbed sharply.
“We’ve had 43 calls in February this year. Last year, we had about 18,” Ireland said. “I don’t think we’ve ever had that many calls in February.”
Ireland said a combination of increased rainfall and warmer temperatures may be responsible for the early activity.
Longtime hiker Zach West told Fox 5 he has been climbing Cowles Mountain for two decades and had rarely encountered snakes in the past.
“In 20 years I’d maybe seen one,” West said. “I saw three on Monday.”
He added that one of the snakes was so large it stretched across an entire trail.
Ireland noted that rattlesnakes respond to conditions, not the calendar.
“They don’t look at a calendar. They don’t know months or the time of day,” he said. “They just know it’s nice out, so they come out to find food, water, or a mate.”
He explained that reports of rattlesnake activity usually begin in April and can continue through the fall when temperatures stay warm.
“I’ve been doing snake relocation for a long time,” Ireland said. “February is usually slow for us.”
Because rattlesnakes can deliver potentially deadly bites, experts say the safest approach is to leave them alone and give them space.
Officials recommend listening for the telltale rattle, which serves as a warning that a snake is nearby.
Most bites occur when someone attempts to pick up, tease, or kill a snake. If given an escape route, rattlesnakes typically prefer to move away rather than strike.
Ireland also advises anyone bitten to move away quickly, since a rattlesnake may strike more than once.
Rattlesnakes play an important ecological role by controlling rodent populations, including rats and mice, according to the County of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department.
“Because of the role they play in local ecosystems, they are fully protected within San Diego County Parks,” the agency said.
Cort Klopping with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said hikers should stay alert outdoors and stick to well-used trails. He also advised avoiding tall grass, weeds, and dense underbrush.
Klopping noted that snakes are most active during warmer seasons, particularly between April and October.
“Snakes enjoy warmer temperatures, so when temperatures rise, increased snake activity is likely,” he said. “People also tend to see more snakes in warm weather because more people are outside.”
Officials say anyone who encounters a snake on their property should contact local animal control.
The California Post said it reached out to the San Diego County Department of Animal Services for additional comment.
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