Protecting against rattlesnakes

Red and black, friend of Jack. Red and yellow, kill a fellow. One is a king snake, mostly harmless to humans and beneficial in that they kill and eat rattlesnakes while the other is a coral snake, of the deadliest species of snakes. But which ones are found in El Dorado County, and how can the average resident tell which of Indiana Jones’ least favorite reptiles are harmful, and which are not?

The answer is quite simple: In El Dorado County, the only species of snake that poses a danger is the Western Rattlesnake. A press release from the Department of Fish and Game describes how to tell if a snake is “California’s only native venomous snake” as they have ”a triangular-shaped head, much broader at the back than at the front, and a distinct “neck” region. The rattlesnake also has openings between the nostrils and eyes, which is a heat-sensing pit. The eyes are hooded with elliptical pupils. Rattlesnakes have a series of dark and light bands near the tail, just before the rattles which are different from the markings on the rest of the body. Rattles may not always be present, as they are often lost through breakage and are not always developed on the young.”

The press release notes that “Rattlesnakes are generally not aggressive and usually strike only when threatened or deliberately provoked. Given room, they will retreat.” Most snake bites, which usually occur on the hands, feet or ankles, are the result of handling the snake or it being accidentally touched while a person is hiking or climbing.

According to the Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, part of UC Davis, the snakes, which can be up to six feet long, “seek cover in crevices of rocks, under surface objects, beneath dense vegetation and in rodent burrows.”

How can you protect yourself while hiking? The DFG recommends wearing hiking boots and long, lost-fitting pants, stick to well-used trails, never hike alone, avoid tall brush or grass, and step on — not over — logs and rocks. When swimming, don’t grab branches or sticks — it could be a swimming rattlesnake. Caution is always best, as “Startled rattlesnakes may not rattle before striking defensively,” the press release states.

On the home front, the best way to keep a rattlesnake out of your yard is a fence. “The fence should either be solid or with mesh no larger than one-quarter inch,” according to the press release. “It should be at least three feet high with the bottom buried a few inches in the ground. Slanting your snake fence outward about a 30-degree angle will help.” Additionally, clear vegetation and remove rocks that could hide rattlesnakes away from the fence, and encourage the natural competitors of the rattlesnake, such as king snakes, gopher snakes and racer snakes, none of which pose a threat to humans or pets.

But what if all this fails and someone is bitten? It’s important to stay calm, both the DFG and IPM agree. Wash the bite, remove any watches, rings or jewelry that could constrict swelling, immobilize the affected area and get transport to a medical facility.

Both organizations also agree on actions not to take: Do not apply a tourniquet, pack the bite area with ice, cut the wound with a knife or razor, try to suck the venom out with your mouth or drink any alcohol. The IPM adds that you should not try to use an electrical shot on victims.

But what about other snakes? Gopher, garter, king, racer, ring-necked and sharp-tailed snakes are common throughout the state and could be found in El Dorado County. The coachwhip snake is also common in the state, but prefers desert areas and not the climate of this county.

To tell the snakes apart, Janice Mackey of the DFG recommended CaliforniaHerps.com, a Website maintained by Gary Nafis, a self-proclaimed “herp geek,” referring to herpetology, the study of amphibians and reptiles, including snakes. Pictures of common California snakes can be found at californiaherps.com/identification/snakesid/common.html, and there are also links to all snakes in the state.

One reason to identify snakes before attempting their disposal is there is a “threatened” snake in the area, said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Robert Moler. The Giant Garter Snake, he said, is one step below “endangered” and the federal organization is developing a plan to help the snake stay off the endangered list.

The color of the snake “varies from brownish to olive with a checkered pattern of black spots, separated by a yellow dorsal stripe and two light-colored lateral stripes. Background coloration and prominence of a black checkered pattern and the three light stripes are geographically and individually variable,” according to the Fish and Wildlife Service. The underside is typically cream to olive or brown, and sometimes has orange mixed in.

Finally, what should you do if you see a snake in your yard, especially a rattlesnake? It’s best to call professional pest or wildlife control that specializes in snake removal, the IPM Website states, but rattlesnakes can be killed with a shovel or club. Be care, the Website warns, as the snakes are able to strike quickly.

As for the old rhyme, coral snakes are not native to California, so encountering a snake with red and yellow touching is highly unlikely.

Contact Cole Mayer at 530-344-5068 or cmayer@mtdemocrat.net. Follow @CMayerMtDemo. 

Cole Mayer

Cole Mayer started writing for the Mountain Democrat in early 2012. He has written news, features and opinions in the past, and currently works the crime, court and fire beat.

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