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Residents urged to avoid snakes
Warm weather draws serpents
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More from County NewsIncreased numbers of snakes slither into view across Ventura County as the weather warms each year, and with temperatures expected to reach 100 degrees in local valleys Sunday, authorities are reminding residents to watch out for the scaly serpents.
"Because of the warming that's starting to occur, that means snakes will become more active," said Capt. Barry Parker, a spokesman for the Ventura County Fire Department.
Calls to the county Department of Animal Regulation about snakes actually started increasing about six weeks ago, said Director Kathy Jenks.
While snakes are widely feared, Jenks said, they usually won't bother people unless they feel threatened or cornered.
"Snakes aren't there looking to hurt you," she said, adding that the reptiles help control rodent populations. "Back away, they'll go away."
Ventura County is home to numerous venomous rattlesnakes and nonvenomous garter, gopher and king snakes, Parker said. Rattlesnakes are distinguished by their triangular-shaped heads, upturned noses and rattles on their tails.
Snakebites are rare, but the Fire Department typically fields two to 12 calls about snakes on an average day during late spring and summer, Parker said.
Hiking trails are among the most commons spots for snake sightings, but the reptiles also show up in wood piles, backyards and garages.
Increased snake activity is another reason for dog owners to use leashes when walking their pets, said Nancy Wohl, a manager at Conejo Valley Veterinary Hospital in Newbury Park.
So far this year, the hospital has treated three animals with snakebites, Wohl said.
Last year, at least 11 bitten pets were taken to the hospital for snakebites.
Rattlesnake vaccines available for dogs can help decrease the severity of a venomous bite, and vets recommend them for pets who live near areas where snakes are common, Wohl said.
If a vaccinated dog is bitten, the owner should still take it to an animal clinic for antivenom, she said.
Those served by the Ventura County Fire Department can call 384-1500 if they see a snake, and department personnel will take it away, Parker said.
People who are bitten should call 911 or go to a hospital. If you have water, rinse the wound, but never put a tourniquet around it, Parker said.
Posted by potatoebay on April 26, 2008 at 7:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I grew up thinking that if you were bit by a rattlesnake, you would die. It seems that's not the case. Would someone out there educate us on this?
Posted by AnnaWhaat on April 26, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I did too! But I think there are different breeds of rattlesnakes. Some in other areas more poisonous then others. If I lived in snake area I would always carry a snake kit. It has a suction thing in there to suck out the venom. Scary!
Posted by Brownpride on April 26, 2008 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have already seen a couple of snakes this year. One was a King snake the length of one lane on the road.
Posted by lawson_wayne on April 26, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Kill & Clean snake, brine overnight, bread with seasoned bread crumbs, deep fry, eat. Not much meat & lots of bones but very tasty.
Posted by twbeem on April 26, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
First of all rattlesnake venom starts breaking down your tissue meaning that sucking out the venom is pointless. And lawson that sounds like a good recipe but I prefer rattlesnake barbaqued and dipped in butter sauce. Very little meat and it tastes like shrimp or lobster without that nasty salty fishy taste.
Posted by lmcventura on April 26, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well...alrighty then!!! Those recipies sound yummy, let's get out there and find us some of those shrimp and lobster like tasting schnakes for dinner tonight!!
Posted by r.gyurkovitz on April 26, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Death from a rattlesnake bite is relatively uncommon with prompt medical attention. A substantial portion of bites by the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake deliver little or no venom and those bites generally won't be lethal even if untreated though it would be foolish to take any chances.
Ryan
Posted by sparks240 on April 26, 2008 at 7:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Young rattlesnales are just as dangerous if not more so that adults. The young snakes venom is just as powerful as an adult, and they have small or no rattles to warn you off.
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