NBC 7/39 (San Diego, California) 16 May 05 Snake Surge
San Diego: There is a good chance you may come within striking distance of a rattlesnake this year, NBC 7/39 reported.
Record-breaking rainfall has left hiking trails more lush than they have been in past years, providing more food for insects, rodents and snakes. This could be leading to a population boom, experts say.
The beautiful scenery is also luring more people to rural areas, a combination that has already proved to be dangerous.
"It's already been busy and I think it's going to get worse a lot worse," said Dr. Sean Bush, of Loma Linda Hospital, who treats rattlesnake victims. "We stocked up our shelves in anticipation of a busy season."
Many San Diegans have already had close encounters with snakes, NBC 7/39 reported. Some don't realize their proximity to a rattler until it's too late.
Experienced hiker Sara McDaniel met up with a baby rattlesnake when she put her hand on a rock to stabilize herself. After it bit her, McDaniel's arm and hand swelled more than twice their normal size.
"It was just knowing what had bitten me and not knowing what was going to happen next that was the scary thing," McDaniel said.
Another 9-year-old victim said she was climbing up a rock when a young rattler bit her on the foot.
Even though adult snakes are more dangerous than young ones, experts say the younger snakes are more jittery and more likely to bite and less likely to give warnings.
If a snake bites you, try to have someone take a photo of it, NBC 7/39 reported. A doctor can better treat you if he or she can identify the type of snake.
Snake Surge