Local snakes, the good, the bad, and the beautiful

There are 33 species of snakes in California and even though many snakes hibernate in cold weather, unseasonably warm weather can bring them out for some sunshine, so it is a good idea to know what surprise visitors might be seen around houses or yards in the Fallbrook area.

Most local snakes, like California King, Mountain California King and Striped Racers are harmless to humans while the only native venomous species are rattlesnakes. Seven species of rattlesnakes live in Southern California.

Within the main species of rattlesnakes there are a variety of sub-species, giving California many rattlesnakes with many different looks. They are known as:

• Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake

• Sidewinder - Mohave Desert Sidewinder or Colorado Desert Sidewinder

• Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake

• Western Rattlesnake - Southern Pacific Rattlesnake, Great Basin Rattlesnake, or Northern Pacific Rattlesnake

• Red Diamond Rattlesnake

• Mojave Rattlesnake or Northern Mohave Rattlesnake

• Panamint Rattlesnake

The most common rattlesnakes in the San Diego area are

the Western Diamond-backed, Southern Pacific, Northern Pacific and Red Diamond rattlesnakes.

Information about rattlesnakes

All rattlesnakes have diamond-shaped heads and will usually have a rattle on their tails made of hollow keratin rings, created when the snakes shed their skins. The keratin makes a rattle noise when shaken.

Young rattlesnakes may only have a non-rattling button at the end of their tail section and some older snakes may have their adult rattles broken off. Baby rattlesnakes can be more dangerous than adult ones in that they can’t control their venom output when they bite.

Some additional facts and information about the rattlesnakes in California:

• Gopher snakes look and act like rattlesnakes at times but their heads are not diamond shape and their tails are pointed; they have no visible rattles.

• Patterns on the rattlesnakes vary even in the same species, some have a diamond pattern and some do not, the coloration and pattern allows them to blend into their surroundings.

• Rattlesnakes can be active day and night. When it is too hot in the day they are nocturnal, and they are not active in the cool winter months.

Even on a cool spring/summer/fall night rattlesnakes will be on the move up to two hours past dusk.

• Rattlesnakes are cold blooded and, until they warm up, they do not move much. They prefer to be hidden or lie up against something and not be out in the open.

• Rattlesnakes can strike even when they are not coiled up and are stretched out. They usually do not strike unless they feel threatened or mistake a human for a meal.

• Rattlesnakes feed on birds, lizards, snakes, frogs, insects, and small mammals, including mice, rats, rabbits, hares, and ground squirrels. (Adult California ground squirrels are immune to rattlesnake venom and will intensely confront any snake they feel to be a threat.)

How to deal with rattlesnakes

• To detour rattlesnakes from around a home, animal pens and barn yards, keep the rodent population under control. Keep buildings and other places snakes can hide closed.

• Be careful when gardening. Check with a stick before pulling weeds with one’s hands and keep an eye out for snakes. Keep long grass short and bushes trimmed. Remember: snakes can climb into trees.

• To avoid surprising a rattlesnake, never put one’s hands or feet in any spot not clearly seen. Check under an object before sitting on it. Use a stick to move boards, logs, and rocks. If wearing boots, kick the object over before picking it up with one’s hands.

• Rattlesnakes are territorial. If moved, they may come back. Do not pick up dead snakes, a rattlesnake can by reflex alone bite and pump venom up to one hour after death.

• Create safe spaces from rattlesnakes by creating snake proof barriers: There are snake repellent products the can be sprinkled on the ground but have to be replaced after a heavy rain and they are not fool proof. Rattlesnake fencing creates a permeate barrier: It should be made of 1/4 galvanized mesh (hardware cloth) that is 36” high.

The fencing is best if it sits on top of a concrete curb or if the foot of the fence can be buried 4”-12” down, depending on the hardness of the soil. There can be no gaps larger than 1/4” around the area of the fencing. Remember that snakes travel along walls and fences so special care must be taken at the end of the fence run, too.

• California King and Mountain California King snakes and Striped Racers all eat rattlesnakes. Road Runners and Blue Jays will also eat baby rattlers.

So, some snakes are good to have, some are bad, and some are also beautiful to see.

For help in identifying snakes seen in this area, visit http://www.californiaherps.com/index.html.

Jodi Thomas contributed to this article.