California’s Venomous Snakes: What You Need to Know
California is home to almost 50 different types of snakes, but only a handful of those snakes are venomous and could be dangerous to people. This article is all about those venomous snakes — how to identify them, where they live, how they behave, and how to stay safe around them.
Knowing the difference between venomous and poisonous is also important. Venomous animals inject toxins (think snake bites), while poisonous ones deliver toxins when you eat them or absorb them through your skin.
This article explores the different species of venomous snakes in California. We’ll cover how to identify them, where they live, what their venom does, how to avoid getting bitten, and what to do if you are bitten. Knowing this information helps you stay safe and respect these fascinating creatures.
Venomous snake species in California: a comprehensive guide
When people think of venomous snakes in California, they’re almost always thinking of rattlesnakes. While sources differ on the exact number of rattlesnake species living in the state, the important thing to remember is that all of California’s venomous snakes are rattlesnakes.
You can usually identify a rattlesnake by its triangular head, elliptical pupils, heat-sensing pits located between the eyes and nostrils, and, of course, its signature rattle.
Key rattlesnake species and their habitats
Here’s a brief look at some of the most notable rattlesnake species you might encounter in California:
- Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus): You can find this species throughout California, from sea level up to about 7,000 feet. Recent genetic testing revealed that the Western rattlesnake is actually three distinct species: the Northern Pacific, Great Basin, and Southern Pacific rattlesnakes.
- Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox): These snakes can grow to between 3 and 5 feet long. They’re responsible for the greatest number of snakebites in the United States.
- Red Diamond Rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber): Red diamond rattlesnakes also grow to between 3 and 5 feet in length.
- Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus): The Mojave rattlesnake, found mainly in the high desert, is considered the most venomous rattlesnake in California because of its hemotoxic and neurotoxic venom. These snakes can grow to between 3 and 4 feet long.
- Other notable species: Other rattlesnakes you might see in California include the Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake, the Panamint Rattlesnake, and the Sidewinder. Sidewinders are the smallest rattlesnakes in California, measuring only 18 to 24 inches in length.
Venom Characteristics and Effects
Rattlesnake venom is designed to quickly subdue and begin digesting their prey. But what happens if a rattlesnake bites you?
Types of Venom: Hemotoxic vs. Neurotoxic
Snake venoms are generally classified as either hemotoxic or neurotoxic.
Hemotoxic venom affects the blood and tissues, causing swelling, bruising, and necrosis (tissue death) around the bite site. Neurotoxic venom affects the nervous system, leading to paralysis and breathing difficulties.
Rattlesnake venom is primarily hemotoxic, but it can also have neurotoxic components. The exact makeup of the venom varies among different rattlesnake species, as does the potency of the venom.
Symptoms of a Rattlesnake Bite
If you’re bitten by a rattlesnake, you’ll likely experience pain, swelling, and bruising around the bite. You may also have nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, rattlesnake bites can cause difficulty breathing and neurological problems.
How serious the bite is depends on the amount of venom injected, your size and overall health, and where on your body you were bitten. A bite to the torso is likely to be more serious than a bite to a finger or toe, for example.
When and where do snake bites happen in California?
California sees around 300 venomous snake bites each year. That’s not very many, considering the U.S. sees between 7,000 and 8,000 each year.
Most bites happen between April and October. Snakes are cold-blooded, so they are most active when it’s warm.
While Western rattlesnakes live all over California, most bites happen in Southern California.
Preventing snake bites: Safety measures for outdoor activities
It’s always a good idea to know how to avoid being bitten by a snake. Here are a few ways to reduce the chances of that happening.
General precautions
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Watch where you put your hands and feet.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Stay out of tall grass, weeds, and heavy underbrush.
Protective clothing and gear
- Wear sturdy boots and loose-fitting long pants when you’re out and about.
- Leave your sandals at home.
Specific scenarios
- Check rocks, stumps, and logs before you sit down.
- Shake out your sleeping bag and tent before you use them.
- Don’t handle any snakes, whether they’re dead or alive.
- Don’t grab “sticks” in the water — snakes can swim.
- Keep your pets on a leash.
Home and yard safety
Snakes like to hide in piles of debris and overgrown vegetation, so remove those from around your home’s perimeter.
First aid for snake bites: What to do and what not to do
Even if you’re sure the snake bite wasn’t from a venomous snake, it’s always a good idea to seek medical attention. And if you suspect a venomous snake was involved, here’s what you should do:
Immediate actions
- Stay calm. Seriously. Getting worked up will only make things worse.
- Take off any rings or bracelets from the area that was bitten. As swelling begins, these items could cut off circulation.
- Get to the nearest medical facility, fast.
Actions to avoid
There are a lot of old wives’ tales about what to do when someone gets bitten by a snake. Here’s what not to do:
- Don’t apply a tourniquet.
- Don’t pack the bite in ice.
- Don’t cut the wound open.
- Don’t try to suck out the venom with your mouth.
- Don’t give the person alcohol or try to shock them.
Medical treatment
Antivenom is the main treatment for venomous snake bites. Getting to a medical facility quickly is critical.
Veterinary considerations
If you have a dog, talk with your veterinarian about rattlesnake vaccine options for your pet. If your dog gets bitten by a snake, call your vet ASAP.
Key Takeaways
California’s home to several species of venomous rattlesnakes, and they’re an important part of the ecosystem. Knowing how to identify them, where they live, and how they behave helps you avoid getting bitten.
If you take precautions and get prompt medical care if a rattlesnake bites you, it’s possible for people and snakes to live safely alongside each other.
While the fear of a snake bite is common, it’s not really warranted, considering how few bites occur. But being aware and treating snakes with respect can reduce your risk even more.