AI6YR Ben2d ago

LA Times: It’s not your imagination. This is a weird rattlesnake season. Here’s what’s happening

"...Taylor said she’d already had about 10 to 20 times the number of calls she usually receives from those in her community.

Why? Simply put: The snakes have been more active — and so have people.

Unseasonably warm weather patterns, including the unprecedented heatwave in March, have driven rattlesnakes out of their winter retreats in search of food and mates a month ahead of the typical start of rattlesnake season, Taylor said. Similarly, the warmer temperatures have compelled outdoor enthusiasts to hit the trails, increasing the odds of a run-in with the serpents. ..."

(paywall)
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-04-01/its-not-your-imagination-this-is-weird-rattlesnake-season-heres-whats-happening

#rattlesnakes #hiking #biking #SoCal

It's not your imagination. This is a weird rattlesnake season. Here's what's happening

Unseasonably warm weather patterns have accelerated rattlesnake activity and the chances of run-ins with humans, experts say.

Los Angeles Times
Show threadAI6YR Ben

"...“Give rattlesnakes at least three to four feet of space, and more for larger individuals,” he said. “Keep your distance, take a few photos to add to a community science platform like iNaturalist, and then allow yourself and the snake to continue on in your journey.”

When you’re enjoying a trail, stick to the designated path and avoid walking in tall grass or areas where you cannot see the ground.

During a hike, if you need to take a break on a log or a rock, make sure to inspect it before taking a seat. ..."

#rattlesnakes #hiking #safety

Apr 1 at 3:05pmWeb
Show threadcognitively accessible math2d ago
@ai6yr Welp, we were stiking to the designated path and Barb was telling an enchanting story of an adventure when brother Ralph threw his right arm out to block us and said STOP!
We then proceeded to go around the designated path to give that rattler the distance.... and then proceeded on our way.
Show threadAI6YR Ben2d ago
@geonz 😱
Show threadmark2d ago
@ai6yr those things can strike at an absurd percentage of their length. Being 3 feet away from a 4 foot snake is not safe
Show thread2xfo2d ago
@ai6yr
I don't know if it's true but i saw anarchist literature that said 85% of snake bites are in the hand and wrist so you'll probably be fine as long as you don't try to touch them
Show threadDavid J. Atkinson2d ago
@ai6yr This time of year be especially wary of infant #rattlesnakes because they have not yet developed control over how much venom to inject. If they bite you, you may get a dose far worse than an adult snake. That means less time for you to get the antivenom. They are also not so good at staying away from people so you are more likely to get in close proximity before they rattle, or just bite. I had more than a few encounters with adults and juvenile rattlesnakes over the years I hiked in the Angeles National Forest every weekend. Got bit once on the shoe but it didn’t penetrate skin.
Show threadValerie Norton2d ago

@ai6yr That does sound a little like my general operating principle... and now I've collected a few:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?subview=map&taxon_id=30692&user_id=valhikes

Once in a while, very annoyingly, they are crossing the trail, notice me, and decide it's time to stand their ground, like this one https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/94400067 , just outside of Ventura County. I backed off to let it keep going and eventually had to go around with it swiveling to follow my motion.