Rattlesnake Season is Here — Watch Where You Walk

Warm weather doesn't just encourage humans to go outside, it also lures out rattlesnakes. 

According to CaliforniaHerps.com, the western rattlesnake is prevalent from the Oregon border clear to Los Angeles. 

In 2012, 15 people were bitten by rattlesnakes in Santa Clara County. All were successfully treated and released from the hospital, according to a local EMS press release.

“With the close proximity to open space and wilderness areas in Santa Clara County, the potential for snake bites increases,” said EMS Chief Michael Petrie.

We're already feeling heat and it's just barely May, so the Santa Clara County Emergency Medical Services System sent out an alert to much of Central California on Monday morning with the following tips.

• If you see a snake, stop and keep your distance. Give the snake plenty of room to get away. 
• Wear heavy boots that are four inches above the ankle, and long pants when hiking. 
• Snakes seen cool areas, too. Always watch where you step and be sure to look for snakes in areas of high brush, under logs and when stepping over logs, or fallen trees. 
• When it’s cool, snakes seek warmer areas. Be observant for snakes sunning on rocks or trails, especially in the cooler times of day.
• NEVER try to touch a snake or scare it away. Give the snake its space and back away to a safe place. 
• Tell a ranger or park staff if you see a snake, and NEVER try to catch it.  

In the rare case of being bitten by a snake, remember these steps:

• Do not panic, remain calm, and slowly move away from the snake. 
• Call 9-1-1 or send someone for help 
• DO NOT apply cold pack, tourniquet, cut the bite, or attempt to suck-out venom 
• Avoid movement of the area that was bitten. 
• Keep the bite at or below heart level. 
• Do not attempt to kill or catch the snake but do try to remember what the snake looked like. 
• If you have time, take note of the time of the bite.
• Remember, remain calm and wait for help.

Have you seen snakes around Gilroy lately? Tell us in the comments!