Rattlesnakes in the Bay Area: Why Parks Officials Are Warning Hikers (Plus, What to Do if You're Bitten)

With summer and warmer temperatures just around the corner, the Bay Area’s parks and trails are starting to bustle even more with wildlife.

But there are a few critters that hikers should look to avoid — and rattlesnakes are definitely one of them.

Last week, the East Bay Regional Parks District issued an advisory warning hikers about the potential dangers of encountering rattlesnakes on local trails, stressing the threat these venomous creatures can pose.

• Jump to: What should I do if a rattlesnake bites me?

Native to California and the Bay Area, rattlesnakes are common in areas like Anthony Chabot, Tilden and Diablo Foothills regional parks — but you should take them seriously, EBRPD spokesperson Dave Mason said.

“It’s definitely important to be cautious for us humans — and also our pets,” he said.

So if you or your pup stumble across a rattlesnake in the wild, what should you do?

First off: How can I recognize a rattlesnake?

The rattlesnakes local to the Bay Area tend to be brown or black, matching the general color of the soil they inhabit. Their skin is dull-colored with large blotches and their head is flat and triangular with folds of skin at its tail forming a “rattle.”

However, you may be more likely to recognize a rattlesnake by ear. True to their name, they make a “rattling” sound that makes them easy to distinguish from other, less harmful snakes:

Rattlesnakes are often confused with gopher snakes, which have similar coloration and length. The key differences to keep are the gopher snake’s glossy skin and more slender head and body. Unlike rattlesnakes, gopher snakes are not venomous.

When should I most watch out for rattlesnakes — and where? 

EBRPD’s Mason said that like all reptiles, rattlesnakes become more active in warmer weather — as do humans. This is the reason that encounters between the two species tend to happen most between April and October.

While snakes can be found all over these East Bay parks and preserves, many encounters happen out on hiking trails and fire roads, Mason said — often in grassy areas. This is why he advises: “Don’t go off the trails into the grass.”

In addition to staying on designated trails, try to scan the ground while walking. When sitting down, examine your chosen spot first and try not to put your hands or feet anywhere you can’t clearly see. Keep your dog on a leash to keep yourself and your pet safe.

Remember, hiking alone means it might be harder to find speedy medical attention if you do get bitten — so consider finding a hiking buddy during these warmer months when the risks of rattlesnake encounters are higher.

What should I do if I see a rattlesnake?

Give the snake plenty of space immediately, Mason advised. Do not try to capture or harm a snake.

Often, you will hear a rattlesnake before you see it — so when that happens, “be wary, look around and get away from it as quickly as possible,” he said. “Go around it. Leave it alone. They are part of nature.”

If you’re out hiking with your dog and you see a snake, calmly and slowly steer them away from it. Some experts even recommend rattlesnake avoidance training for your dog. If you’re interested, make sure you find a certified training professional using humane science-based methods, which can help teach dogs to respond to scents and cues to avoid bites.

If a rattlesnake bites me, what should I do?

Around 8,000 people in the U.S. are bitten by rattlesnakes every year, usually on the hands, feet and ankles. Somewhere between 5 and 15 of those cases are fatal each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration.

Usually, rattlesnake bites will leave two puncture marks, and you’ll feel an intense, burning pain. If this happens, “focus on how to get medical attention as soon as possible,” Mason said.

After immediately calling 911, try to sit or lie down, keeping the bite below your heart. Most importantly, keep the area of the bite in a neutral, comfortable position. If possible, you should gently wash the wound with any clean water you have nearby — like from your water bottle or a fast-moving stream — and soap if you have it.

The CDC recommends taking note of the time the bite occurred by actually writing it on your skin next to the wound and removing any jewelry or watches that might constrict swelling. Around 25% of bites are “dry,” meaning the snake did not use venom, but even those bites still need to be treated.

EBRPD advise against using tourniquets or snake bite kits (more on this below) and said not to try sucking out the venom. You also shouldn’t take any medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

If you’re bitten while hiking alone, walk slowly to get help. While this might feel counterintuitive, the CDC warns that running increases your heart rate and could spread the venom more quickly throughout your body, as could driving yourself to the hospital.

Other types of snake bites — like a bite from the Pacific gopher snake — can be treated with soap and water, but medical attention is still advised.

Why shouldn’t I use a snake bite kit?

Experts warn against using commercially sold snakebite kits. While the idea of “sucking out the poison” using a tool seems like a solution, the reality is that snake venom instantly diffuses away from the wound and cannot be extracted this way.

In some cases, extraction tools can even force the venom further into your body or harm the site of the bite. The antivenom you receive at the hospital is most effective the sooner it is administered, so getting help should be your first priority.

Other potential risks for hikers to watch for

Poison oak

Poison oak, whose three-sided leaves look oily, will leave a reaction on most peoples’ skin. Staying on trail is your best bet to avoid a rash, but if you do touch any irritating plants, wash your skin immediately and see a doctor if the rash spreads.

Ticks

Ticks, which position themselves on long grasses hoping to grab hold as you brush by, can carry Lyme disease. Wear long-sleeved clothing, use insect repellent and stay on trails to avoid ticks.

In addition to staying on designated trails and out of dense foliage, Mason advises checking yourself and your pets for ticks after any outdoor activity.

“Give them a once-over, once you get back to your car or back away from the trail,” Mason said.

If you do find a tick on your skin, remove it using tweezers or a tissue and scrape the skin (a credit card works great for this) to remove any of its body parts left behind. Then wash your hands and the bite area thoroughly, and seek medical attention if you later recognize any symptoms of Lyme disease, which include a rash, fever, headache and stiffness around the bite area.

Roaming animals

The parks department advises keeping your distance around cattle and avoiding getting between a mother and her calf. Don’t try to touch or pet cows, and keep dogs and kids away.

That goes for any other wild animals, too. Coyotes, deer and mountain lions all inhabit local parks but should never be fed, approached or petted. Even though most aren’t dangerous by nature, they can become unpredictable if surprised.

“The important thing really is knowing that when you’re going out there that you’re in a wild area — and to be cautious of your surroundings,” Mason said.