| Rattlesnake, Crotalus |
| Family | Pit Viper (Viperidae) | Size | Usually 15-36" |
| Breeding | Young are born live August-October. | Food | Birds, lizards, other snakes, frogs, rodents, insects, etc. |
| Habitat | Rocky areas on hillsides, grasslands, woodlands and along streams. | ||
Rattlesnakes found in the area will almost exclusively be Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes, Crotalus oreganus oreganus. It would be rare to find a different species of rattlesnake here. Rattlesnakes are not an uncommon sight to locals in the area. They are often to be found sunning themselves on the road as the sun sets -- with sad but predictable consequences. They are also commonly encountered in wood piles and are happened upon when hiking. This is particularly true is rocky areas and even more so when the rocks are near water. Rattlesnakes are generally helpful in warning you to their presence by rattling loudly. They don't want a close encounter with you any more than you want one with them. But, there are exceptions. It is being reported (repeated?) now that rattlesnakes are "evolving." Humans tend to kill rattlesnakes they encounter and they often find them via the rattling sound. So, those that don't tend to rattle are tending to survive longer to reproduce. Another explanation for the "phenomenon" of non-rattling rattlesnakes is simply that the snakes were caught off-guard in these cases and didn't have time to rattle. The rattling sound of a rattlesnake comes from the "buttons" of the rattle hitting each other. When first born, a rattlesnake has a single button. While it may shake its tail furiously in warning, its doesn't make a sound. The juvenile rattlesnake pictured below put on such a silent display. Birds, lizards, frogs, rodents, other snakes, etc. make up the diet of rattlesnakes. In this area, however, it is the California Ground Squirrel, Spermophilus beecheyi, which seems to be its favorite. And, the squirrels have developed interesting defenses against this formidible threat. It seems that the squirrels quickly develop an immunity to the venom so only the very youngest pups are vulnerable to it. These squirrels will put up a vigorous fight with a large snake that would seem to clearly outmatch it considering the size and venomous advantage expected. If you do encounter a rattlesnake and you or someone you know are bitten, you will want to seek medical attention immediately. Most current first aid sources agree that previous recommendations and homegrown remedies should not be followed. This includes excising the wound and attempting to draw out/suck out the venom -- don't do it. Overall, the advice is -- stay calm, get help, and figure out how to get to an emergency room. If you encounter a rattlesnake, stay away from it -- especially if it is injured and even if it appears to be dead. They are fascinating creatures so it can be tempting to want to get a closer look. Very occasionally, rattlesnakes may "play dead" rather than rattle and warn you off. I encountered one that appeared to be dead until I was just inches from it and, yes, poked it with a stick (a very, very bad idea). Additionally, injured rattlesnakes, just like any injured animal, can be extremely dangerous. They may lash out unpredictably. It is best just to leave the area. And, you might not think that a dead rattlesnake could hurt you but, in fact, it can still bite you. This had always sounded a little exaggerated to me. Having seen a rattlesnake writhing a full half hour after it had been killed, I can say with certainty that it is not. The danger is real. |
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add image to lightboxhttp://www.californiaherps.com/snakes/pages/c.o.oreganus.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pacific_rattlesnake
Alden, Peter, and Fred Heath. National Audubon Society Field Guide to California. New York: Knopf, 1998.