Alameda County Warns Of Rattlesnakes On East Bay Trails

ALAMEDA COUNTY, CA — Amid the recent round of heat, with more on the horizon, the Alameda County Fire Department this week shared a few annual reminders about rattlesnakes.

"With summer heat warming up in the Bay Area, snakes may become more visible along some East Bay Regional Park trails," the department wrote. "Snakes, notably rattlesnakes, typically emerge in warm weather to explore their environment, which can lead to more encounters with humans and dogs."

This week's reminders follow a detailed advisory issued by parks officials last week, which included some pointers about what to do if a bite occurs.

The rattlesnake is California's only native venomous snake— a member of the viper family that comes in several varieties across the region. According to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources department, the most commonly found species is the western rattlesnake, which is known to live anywhere from the northern stretches of the state to as far south as Santa Barbara County.

"To distinguish rattlesnakes from harmless native snakes, remember rattlesnakes have a distinct, triangular-shaped head, and usually have rattles at the end of their tail," explains the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. "They do not always rattle before striking. If you see a rattlesnake, back away and avoid the animal — it strikes humans only in self-defense."

Here are a few more safety tips:

1. Avoid hiking alone so you have help in case of emergency.
2. Scan the ground ahead of you as you walk, jog, or ride. Stay on trails and avoid walking in tall grass.
3. Look carefully around and under logs and rocks before sitting down.
4. Avoid placing your hands or feet where you cannot see clearly.
5. For maximum safety, consider keeping your dog on a leash.