Rattlesnake Advisory

Rattlesnakes are native to California and, like other snakes, emerge from winter hibernation in early spring and become more active. This can lead to more encounters with humans and dogs, especially along trails and roads, but also in rural and urban areas. East Bay Regional Parks visitors are encouraged to keep snake safety precautions in mind when visiting throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons.

Snakes are an important resource in the natural environment. They are primary controlling agents of rodents and other reptile populations. Enjoy snakes from afar and leave them where they are found. Collecting, killing, or removing any plants or animals from East Bay Regional Parks is illegal. Please help protect all wildlife and their environment.

Rattlesnake safety tips

1. Avoid hiking alone so that you have help in case of an emergency.
2. Scan the ground ahead of you as you walk, jog, or ride.
3. Stay on trails and avoid walking in tall grass.
4. Look carefully around and under logs and rocks before sitting down.
5. Listen for the buzz of a rattlesnake’s rattle warning you it is there.
6. Avoid placing your hands or feet in places where you cannot see clearly.
7. For maximum safety, consider keeping your dog on a leash.

What to do if you see a rattlesnake

Leave it alone—do not try to capture or harm it. All native wildlife is protected by law, and it is safest to leave it alone. If you see a snake, do not approach. Move carefully and slowly away or around it to give it plenty of space.

What to do if bitten

1. If bitten by a rattlesnake, stay calm and have someone call 911. Lie down with the affected limb lower than the heart. Getting medical attention quickly is critical—do not use tourniquets, sucking, or snakebite kits. If you are alone, walk calmly to the nearest source of help to dial 911. Do not run; doing so increases your heart rate and spreads poisoned blood faster through the body.
2. If bitten by any other type of snake, wash the wound with soap and water or an antiseptic and seek medical attention.
3. If you are unsure what kind of snake bit you, check the bite for two puncture marks (in rare cases, one puncture mark) associated with intense, burning pain. This is typical of a rattlesnake bite. Other snakebites may leave multiple teeth marks without associated burning pain.
4. You do not need to identify the specific type of rattlesnake to receive the correct antivenom. The northern Pacific rattlesnake is the species found in East Bay Regional Parks.

Download the Park District’s Common Snakes Brochure or watch the Gopher Snake or Rattlesnake Video to learn how to tell the difference between rattlesnakes and gopher snakes. Additional information is available on the Wildlife Encounters webpage.

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