The Golden State’s wildlife reads like a dream list for anyone obsessed with nature, from mighty great white sharks cruising offshore to stealthy mountain lions, intrepid tarantulas, and even nosy bears lurking in people’s backyards. In a place with that kind of biodiversity, it’s no wonder critters that make your spine tingle with anticipation show up everywhere. One group that sometimes slips under the radar is rattlesnakes.
While we usually associate rattlesnakes with southern states, California is actually home to about a dozen species, making it second in the nation, only behind Arizona, according to World Population.
The species include the Western Diamondback, Sidewinder, Mojave rattlesnake, Southwestern Speckled Rattler, Southern Pacific, Panamint, Great Basin, Northern Pacific, and Red Diamond rattlesnake, among others.
Here’s a simple ranking of U.S. states with the most rattlesnake species:
- Arizona – 14 species
- California – 12 species
- Texas – 9 species
- New Mexico – 7 species
- Utah – 6 species
Are rattlesnakes dangerous?
Yes, rattlesnakes are venomous pit vipers, and their bites can be serious. In the U.S., venomous snakebites land thousands of people in emergency rooms every year, and rattlesnake bites make up a major part of that, though fatalities are rare thanks to modern medical care.
As the University of California explains, rattlesnakes usually strike only when threatened or accidentally startled. Stepping too close to them, picking one up, or cornering them can trigger a defensive bite. Venom can cause intense pain, swelling, tissue damage, and, rarely, death if untreated. Many bites are “dry bites,” where little venom is injected, but medical care is still necessary.
What to do if you encounter a rattlesnake
First of all, as with most “dangerous” animals, it’s best to avoid encountering a rattlesnake altogether. To reduce your chances of bumping into one, stick to clear trails when hiking, watch your feet and hands in rocky or tall-grass areas, avoid placing your hands in hidden spots, and, if you spot one, give it plenty of space to move away.
Rattlesnake season is typically spring through fall, when days are warm, so extra caution is needed during these months. If you find a rattlesnake in your yard, don’t try to handle it yourself and never attempt to kill it. Stay at least 10 feet away and call a local wildlife removal expert or animal control. You can also report the encounter to the CDFW.
If a bite occurs, call 911 immediately and get the person to a hospital for antivenom treatment. Avoid home remedies like sucking the venom out or using tourniquets, they can do more harm than good.