Snakes Alive

Snakes become more active in warm weather and people who hike, mountain bike or live near canyons or open spaces are more likely to encounter them now. Types of snakes common to Orange County and tips on handling close encounters:

Rattlesnakes

The poisonous snakes found in Orange County are all rattlers. They are aptly named for the rattles on the end of their tails that consist of loosely attached scale segments that strike against one another when shaken. Three subspecies found in Orange County:

Western

* Length: 16-64 inches

* Prey: Small mammals, lizards, mice

* Description: Brownish blotches down midline of back, generally edged with dark brown or black and often surrounded by light border; markings begin as oval, squarish, diamond-like, or hexagonal and tend to narrow into cross bands near tail. Also called Southern Pacific Rattlesnake

* Red Diamond

* Length: 29-64 inches

* Prey: Rabbits, ground squirrels, birds

* Description: Tan to brick red, with diamond-shaped blotches down midline of back; black and white rings encircle tail

Speckled

* Length: 23-52 inches

* Prey: Squirrels, kangaroo rats, mice, birds, lizards

* Description: Sandy, speckled appearance; back marked with muted cross bands or hexagonal- to diamond-shaped blotches formed by small clusters of dots

Snake Facts

Snakes are cold-blooded and rely on the sun for warmth.

* They are more commonly seen in summer because sun increases their metabolic rate and they become more active.

* Most prefer to live away from populated areas but frequently find their way into subdivisions bordering canyons and other open areas.

* Snakes seek shade during hottest part of day; they are most likely to hide under brush piles, beneath rocks and in other cool spots.

* They are more commonly seen in the open during cool morning and evening hours when in search of warmth. During these hours they are often seen on rocks or paved areas that retain sun’s heat.

* Snakes help control rodents; non-venomous types pose no threat to humans.

Dealing With Snakes

* When a snake invades your property: Call city or county animal control officer, especially if you suspect it might be a rattler. If unsure, officer will help you identify it. Only rattlers will be trapped and removed.

* Avoiding snakebite: Never hike or mountain bike alone. Stay on trail and watch for snakes when stopping for rest breaks on rocks or other areas where snakes hide. If you come upon a snake, keep still and don’t make any sudden moves. Most likely it will wander away.

* Treating snakebite: Physicians no longer advise cutting and sucking out a wound. Instead, have victim rest in shady area and summon help. Loosen tight clothing, but do not apply ice or a tourniquet.

Non-Venomous Snakes

Western Aquatic Garter Snake

* Length: 18-57 inches

* Prey: Amphibians and their larvae, fish

* Description: Extremely variable with stripes, spots or blotches; live in coastal marshes and freshwater ponds, lakes and rivers

Striped Racer

* Length: 30-60 inches

* Prey: Frogs, lizards, other snakes, birds and small mammals

* Description: Slender; uniform black or dark brown with single yellow or orange stripe on each side extending from neck to tail; yellowish-white belly becoming pink under tail

Rosy Boa

* Length: 24-42 inches

* Prey: Small mammals, birds and lizards

* Description: Smooth and shiny; gray, tan, brown or rosy red with three brown stripes down body, occasionally blotched; docile, often kept as pets

King Snake

* Length: 36-82 inches

* Prey: Other snakes, including rattlesnakes; mice, birds and lizards

* Description: Chocolate brown to black, with highly variable back and belly markings

Gopher Snake

* Length: 48-100 inches

* Prey: Mice, rats, birds and lizards

* Description: Large and powerfully built; small head with somewhat pointed snout; light-colored with black, brown or reddish-brown blotches on back and sides

Sources: Santa Ana Zoo, Orange County Animal Control, Los Angeles Regional Drug and Poison Information Center

Researched by JANICE L. JONES