One of the most dreaded creatures of warmer days is the rattlesnake.  Common in the dry areas of our foothill communities, rattlers may surprise residents when basking pool side or curling up in garages.  These venomous reptiles hibernate in colonies over the winter.  April through October is rattlesnake season - residents living near the hills should be especially careful to check for these venomous snakes in their yards during these months. 

Keeping your yard safe
Deterrents:
Minimize housing resources: thin or remove excess brush in your yard, keep lawn mowed.  And remove woodpiles at the end of winter: woodpiles and brushpiles attract rodents that snakes feed on, and provide hiding places for the snakes.

Exclusion:
Snakes cannot climb over walls – constructing a solid wall around your property over 3 feet high is very effective in excluding snakes from your property

Bite Prevention

• Never stick your hands into areas where you can’t see – Use a stick, broom or rake if you must get into an obscure place.
• Wear long pants and closed-toed shoes when hiking or gardening.
• Make noise and stomp if you are walking in rattler country.
• Keep your dog on leash when you go for hikes or walks in the hills.  A curious pooch could easily stick his nose where it doesn’t belong.
• Listen for the tell-tale shaking of their rattles (but be aware that they don’t always rattle)
• Don't touch dead rattlesnakes: reflex actions in the snake may cause the head to bite. 
• Never attempt to kill a rattler:  this is both inhumane and dangerous. 

Rattlesnake Bite First Aid

• Seek IMMEDIATE medical attention – call 911 or get the victim to the hospital
• Keep the victim calm and still until help arrives
• DO NOT make an incision and suck out the venom
• DO NOT apply a tourniquet 
• DO NOT apply ice to the area

**Rattlers may deliver a “dry bite”, where no venom is released.  Always allow a doctor to determine the severity of the bite.  There is an anti-venom available and with appropriate treatment most people recover.

If a rattler slithers into your yard
If are a resident of one of our service cities (Pasadena, South Pasadena, Arcadia, La Canada, Sierra Madre, San Marino, Glendale) you can call the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA if a rattler slithers into your yard.  Our trained animal control officers can safely remove and relocate the snake.  Keep an eye on the snake, so the officer can find it when they arrive.

Residents in other cities should call their local animal control agency for removal information.

If you would like more information, contact the wildlife department at 626/792-7151 x110