California is home to many different animals, but nearly none of them strike as much fear into the hearts of the populace than the dreaded rattlesnake. While most seasons offer very little interaction between humans and rattlesnakes, in the Sacramento region, rattlesnakes are most commonly run into in spring and late summer, when it isn’t too hot to go outside and people tend to be most active out in nature.
In mountain and foothill regions, the risk of running into rattlesnakes can be the highest, as nature-lovers head out for nature hikes alone or with their dogs. These areas also tend to be where the animals are most populated, living under rocks and in burrows on hilly landscapes. Thankfully, these pests are not particularly aggressive and tend to only bite when startled or directly confronted.
There have already been two children this year bitten by rattlesnakes in Northern California – thankfully both survived. However, more than 800 people are bit by rattlesnakes in the U.s. every year, and lead to approximately 1-2 deaths. For this reason, it’s best to steer as clear away from them as possible.
When hiking, avoid dense brush where you can’t see where you’re stepping or what’s around you. Make a bit of noise when hiking, so rattlesnakes hear you coming a good distance off and are less likely to be surprised by your approach. If bitten, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital immediately and try to stay calm. Should you find a rattlesnake in or near your property in the greater Sacramento area, hire a professional to remove it for everyone’s safety.