Living in Southern California means sunny skies, warm temperatures, and lots of open
space. Such a climate also means living with rattlesnakes. While the idea of being
anywhere near a snake strikes fear in many people, it is possible to co-exist. The
more you know about snakes, the better prepared you will be for any potential encounters.
All sorts of wildlife emerge in the spring, and March and April mark the start of
rattlesnake season in San Diego County. Recent reports have described increased rattlesnake
sightings in San Marcos. As the reptiles come out of hibernation, it’s not uncommon
to spot them locally, though bites are rare. Most sightings happen between Spring
and Fall.
Hands, feet, and ankles are the most common sites for rattlesnake bites. Using some common sense rules can prevent most snake bites.
For more information about rattlesnakes in California, visit wildlife.gov.
Nationwide, there are over 800 cases of rattlesnake bites reported annually to the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Of these reported bites, only one to two cases per year result in death of the patient. Although complications such as possible blood clotting problems, allergic reactions to treatment, infection and shock may develop, the majority of rattlesnake bites are successfully treated with as little as two to three days of hospitalization.
Information provided by the City of San Marcos, Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District, California Poison Control System, and San Diego Zoo websites.