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Rattlesnakes Emerge Early in SoCal Heatwave
7 Mar
Summary
- Warm weather triggered rattlesnake season earlier than last year.
- Animal services responded to multiple calls about snakes on private property.
- Tips include staying on trails and using tools when gardening.
Rattlesnake season has commenced earlier in Orange County this year, a trend attributed to unseasonably warm temperatures. Recent days have seen temperatures nearing 100 degrees Fahrenheit, prompting rattlesnakes to emerge sooner than anticipated.
Encounters with these venomous snakes have increased, with residents reporting sightings in backyards and parks. Mission Viejo Animal Services has responded to several calls, with officers equipped to safely capture and relocate the reptiles to less populated areas. Landscapers in some parks note a frequent presence of snakes, sometimes seeing multiple individuals daily.
To mitigate risks, authorities recommend hikers remain in the center of trails and gardeners use tools to inspect bushes before reaching into them. Pet owners are urged to keep dogs on leashes and away from potential snake hiding spots. These preventative measures are crucial as the warmer climate extends the active period for rattlesnakes.
