Beware! Rattlesnake Season
Beware! Rattlesnake Season
According to the California Poison Control System, most rattlesnake bites occur between the months of April and October.
“In warm weather rattlesnakes are more likely to be found on hiking trails and sunning in rural areas. Even baby rattlesnakes possess dangerous venom as soon as they hatch.” (source- CPCS)
This means, hikers enjoying Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park should be extra careful.
Symptoms of a rattlesnake bite can range from pain and swelling to, in more rare instances, death.
Rattlesnake bite prevention tips (source- CPCS)
- Wear boots and long pants when hiking
- Stay on trails when hiking, away from underbrush and tall weeds
- Do not touch or disturb a snake, even if it appears dead
- Carefully inspect logs or rocks before sitting on them
- Never hike alone in remote areas
- Always have someone with you who can assist in an emergency
- Teach children to respect snakes and to leave them alone
Treating a rattlesnake bite (source- CPCS)
- Get immediate medical attention
- Do not apply ice, do not use a tourniquet or constricting band, do not try to suck out the venom, and do not use any device to cut or slice the bite site
- Keep calm, do not run and keep the affected extremity elevated during transport to a medical facility
- Many veterinarians now carry rattlesnake anti-venom and rattlesnake vaccines for dogs and other pets that are bitten. Contact your veterinarian for more information.
The trails around here offer some of the most beautiful views and amazing hiking in all of Orange County.
Visit Laguna Beach Community for more information regarding the parks of Laguna Beach, California.
