County says number of rattlesnake calls has tripled with warm winter

SAN DIEGO - The number of rattlesnake calls to the County’s Department of Animal Services (DAS) has more than tripled compared to the same time period last year, according to officials.

Since Jan. 1, DAS has received 78 calls from the community. Last year, only 24 calls came in during that time frame.

“Our very mild winter and several heat spells are drawing the rattlesnakes out of their dens a little earlier this year,” said DAS director Dawn Danielson.

Rattlesnakes typically come out of hibernation in the spring and DAS recommends residents discourage them from taking up residence in a yard...