Rattlesnakes are the only native species of venomous snake in California. Just like honey bees, they’re an important part of our ecosystem, serving as natural pest exterminators. Reaching three to four feet in length, these snakes have a thicker and chunkier build than other snake species. Rattlesnakes are active from April to October. They are incredibly resilient, finding life in every habitat known, from coastlines to inland arid zones. Their cultural value is matched by their role in ecosystems—without them, myriad others would fail to thrive.
Throughout the summer, Rattlesnakes are found throughout California, adding to the state’s incredible diversity of wildlife. Their distribution spans across southern Canada all the way to Baja California in Mexico. Contrary to popular belief, they’re one of the most abundant snake species in North America. Learning about their habits and value to the ecosystem are key to living in harmony with these reptiles and staying safe.
The Ecological Importance of Rattlesnakes
Rattlesnakes play an important role in their ecosystems by keeping rodent and other pest populations in check. This low-impact natural pest control helps protect both agricultural and residential landscapes. This is why it’s proven to be so effective at keeping unwanted pests out of crops and homes.
Despite the many benefits they provide, a deep-seated and undeserved fear of snakes leads people to harm or kill them. Starkey highlights the importance of recognizing their ecological value, stating:
“They help keep those pests away from our crops and our homes.”
If you come across a Rattlesnake in your yard, the best practice is to keep your distance and enjoy watching them from afar. Rattlesnakes usually only come onto your property to look for food, shelter, or a water source. If you must move the snake, call your local animal control department to help relocate it humanely. Don’t try and figure it all out on your own, call 311.
“While people may fear snakes, they’re critically important animals for our world.”
Rattlesnakes are not naturally aggressive, but they will protect themselves when provoked. People need to be vigilant while on hikes or walks in regions where Rattlesnakes may be common. The key takeaway is to stay alert and pay attention to your environment.
Safety Precautions Around Rattlesnakes
In the even unluckier case that you do get bitten, swift action can make all the difference. Starkey advises:
He further explains that the longer one waits for treatment, the greater the risk of permanent damage from the bite:
“So that’s why it’s so critical that if you are bitten, you drop everything you’re doing and get to a hospital.”
In the event that you do get bit, don’t panic! Restrict the use of the impacted limb to reduce spreading of venom.
“The longer you wait, the more likely you are to have permanent damage from the [rattlesnake] bite.”
Rattlesnakes are often mistaken for harmless gopher snakes and kingsnakes. Gopher snakes are generally bigger, sometimes growing to lengths of eight feet or more. Though it happens only rarely in the wild, kingsnakes are famous for their tendency to prey on rattlesnakes, frequently developing immunity to the venom.
Distinguishing Rattlesnakes from Other Snake Species
Starkey recommends an easy way to avoid harmful Rattlesnake interactions. He notes:
This nondisruptive approach gets the person involved enough to coax that snake away without getting it hurt.
“If you’re really concerned, you can just take a long stick and find and tap the end of (the snake’s) tail and that snake is going to jet off the trail.”
This approach allows individuals to gently encourage the snake to move away without causing harm.