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 threadRich Stein (he/him)

@ai6yr
We — people / suburbia — keep moving further into the natural habitat of critters at the same time that we're permanently destroying more and more of the landscape. Then we muck with the weather (anthropomorphic warming/climate change, yada yada...). And we can't figure out why nature — in all its agnostic beauty — bites us (kinda literally)... 🤔

I think I'm gonna root for the earthworms and octopuses!!
🪱🐙 🪱🐙 🪱🐙 🪱🐙
https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2024/02/earthworm-invasion

https://www.npr.org/2007/03/23/9105956/the-trouble-with-earthworms

https://www.ecoticias.com/en/they-would-not-be-insects-or-mammals-humanitys-most-likely-successor-lives-under-the-sea-and-is-smarter-than-you-think/30138/

Earthworm invasion

Analysis reveals imported earthworm species have colonized large swaths of North America, and represent a largely overlooked threat to native ecosystems. The researchers warn of the need to better understand and manage the invaders in our midst.

Apr 1 at 3:37pmMoshidon
Show threadAI6YR Ben2d ago
@RunRichRun I put my money on Humboldt Squid ruling the earth, myself! Almost as smart as octopus, but they work in groups... hate humans. Like rising sea temperatures.
Show threadcognitively accessible math2d ago
@ai6yr @RunRichRun Oh, I like this notion.
Show threadRich Stein (he/him)2d ago
@ai6yr
Fire ants put the collective ahead of individual survival, too! 🐜 🐜 🐜