How to Stay Safe From Rattlesnakes

When days get longer, rattlesnakes come out -- and not just in rural areas. They've been seen near urban areas, in parks by rivers and lakes and at golf courses, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

So what should you do when you encounter a rattler to make sure you aren't one of the 800 Californians bitten each year? The Department of Fish and Wildlife has some tips for you:

Do:

  • Stick to well-used trails
  • Wear over-the-ankle boots and loose, long pants
  • Step on logs and rocks, not over them
  • Be careful when stepping through doorways -- they like the edges of buildings
  • Teach kids to respect snakes and leave them alone

Don't:

  • Go barefoot or wear sandals in wild areas
  • Walk in tall grass, weeds or heavy underbrush
  • Step or put your hands where you can't see
  • Wander in the dark
  • Hike alone
  • Grab what look like sticks or branches while swimming (they can swim, too)
  • Handle a freshly killed snake, which can still bite

If you get bitten:

  • Stay calm -- most effects are limited to the area near the bite
  • Wash the bite with soap and water
  • Remove jewelry that may constrict swelling
  • Don't move the affected area
  • Get to a near medical facility safely

Source: California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

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