Rattlesnake “season” is typically from March through October when the weather starts to warm up. During the hottest days, they may be found in cool, shady areas. Although rattlesnakes are generally not aggressive, they will strike when they are threatened or provoked. Follow these safety measures to protect yourself, your pets, and your family.

When Hiking:

• Always wear hiking boots when walking through wild areas.
• Stick to designated, well-used trails and wear over-the-ankle boots and loose-fitting long pants.
• At home and on trails, avoid tall grass, weeds, and heavy underbrush where snakes may hide.
• Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see, and avoid wandering around in the dark.
• Never hike alone - always have someone with you who can assist in an emergency.
• Leash your dog and watch them closely when out hiking because they are at increased risk of being bitten due to their habit of holding their nose to the ground while investigating the outdoors.

At Home:

• Be careful when stepping over the doorstep - snakes like to crawl along the edge of buildings where they are protected on one side.
• Teach curious children to respect snakes and to leave them alone – never pick them up.
• Do not handle a freshly killed snake, it can still inject venom.
• Avoid common hiding places for snakes, like piles of rocks and stacks of wood.

What to do if you are bitten by a rattlesnake:

• Stay calm.
• Dial 911 and get to the hospital.
• Remove items that may constrict swelling, such as jewelry.
• Immobilize the bite at or slightly below the level of the heart.
• Wash the bite area gently with soap/water or antiseptic wipes.

What you should NOT do after a rattlesnake bite:

• DO NOT apply a tourniquet.
• DO NOT pack the bite area in ice.
• DO NOT cut the wound with a knife or razor.
• DO NOT use your mouth to suck out the venom.
• DO NOT let the victim drink alcohol.

Learn more about living with wildlife in Chino Hills by visiting www.chinohills.org/AnimalControl.

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