Snakes on the Rise: How to Stay Safe When You Spot One

The heat in California is pulling snakes out of hiding, and the numbers of deadly rattlesnake bites have climbed this year. In most years California sees no fatal bites, but this season two people in the south and a third in Mendocino County have died. Experts say warmer weather wakes rattlesnakes, gopher snakes and other native species from their winter rest. They are now more likely to wander into areas where people live and play, especially near the American River Parkway, El Dorado Hills and open spaces around Sacramento. A walker in Rancho Cordova noted a rattlesnake on the bike trail as early as mid‑February, earlier than usual.Other residents who frequent the park report seeing snakes often, with one even describing a sudden lunge from a hidden bush. If you encounter a snake, the safest action is to stop and give it space. Avoid sudden movements that might provoke a bite, and keep a safe distance while you back away slowly. If the snake is on your property, call a professional handler instead of killing it; snakes play an important role in the local ecosystem. The goal is coexistence: respect their home and stay aware of your surroundings when enjoying nature. For those curious about snakes, the 5th annual Sacramento Snake Festival starts this Saturday at Hagan Community Park in Rancho Cordova, opening at 10 a. m.