SIERRA STAR (Oakhurst, California) 11 July 07 Heat likely luring snakes out later - Rattlesnake season is in full swing throughout the Mountain Area (Elizabeth Gabriel)

"If you have a rattlesnake problem, you have a rodent problem," said Clu Cotter of the Fresno office of the California Department of Fish and Game.

So his solution to a snake problem is to get rid of the rodents.

"The snakes are there because there's something for them to eat," he said.

Cotter said awareness is the best way to avoid coming face to fang with a rattler. See the information at the bottom of this page for tips on staying clear of the snakes.

Remember, he said, the snakes are out when the food is out. In the recent heat wave, that could mean rodents and snakes would tend to stay put during the heat of the day and come out toward evening.

At home, you can reduce the cover for the rodents and snakes: Cut back grass, get rid of hiding places such as piles of unused lumber, secure your garbage cans.

"Only kill a rattler if there is no other choice. If you can, let it go on its way," Cotter said. Trying to kill them is dangerous."

He also warned against snake hysteria.

"Don't kill other kinds of snakes. I have seen a king snake, which is black and white, eating a rattler. And all snakes eat rodents. They are helping you out. They're doing a job -- leave them alone."

You can see pictures of the snakes of California and learn more about them at www.californiaherps.com.

The Department of Fish and Game Web site (www.dfg.ca) also has photos, tips and warnings.

To quote from that site, "Many a useful and non-threatening snake has suffered a quick death from a frantic human who has mistakenly identified a gopher snake, garter, racer or other as a rattlesnake. This usually happens when a snake assumes an instinctual defensive position used to bluff adversaries. A gopher snake has the added unfortunate trait of imitating a rattlesnake by flattening its head and body, vibrating its tail, hissing and actually striking if approached too closely.

"A rattlesnake is a heavy-bodied, blunt-tailed snake with one or more rattles on the tail. It has a triangular-shaped head, much broader at the back than at the front, and a distinct "neck" region. The rattlesnake also has openings between the nostrils and eyes, which is a heat-sensing pit. The eyes are hooded with elliptical pupils.

"Additional identifying characteristics include a series of dark and light bands near the tail, just before the rattles, which are different from the markings on the rest of the body. Also note that rattles may not always be present, as they are often lost through breakage and are not always developed on the young."

The California Poison Control System Web site has extensive information on rattlesnakes. It reads, "If threatened, the rattlesnake may coil, rattle, and raise its upper body, appearing ready to strike while actually backing slowly away with its lower body. However, if surprised, it may lunge up to several feet, striking without any warning.

"Not every strike delivers venom. Occasionally the snake will inflict what is called a "dry bite."

But if you do kill a rattler, said Cutter, remember it remains dangerous, even in death.

Don't play with the snake; dispose of it immediately. You can bury it or, if your trash will be collected soon, you can put it in the trash, sealed in a couple of plastic bags.

Cutter said that if you see one rattler in your yard, that doesn't necessarily mean there are others. The snakes like to stay together in dens in the winter.

That allows them to share body heat. But once summer comes, they head out in search of food.
Heat likely luring snakes out later

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