Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes are recognizable with their distinct triangular heads and dark brown blotches running down their backs. Photo courtesy of National Park Service

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Although wildlife sightings are typically more common near rivers, creeks and open spaces, this year’s extreme heat has forced the local wildlife, including many unwelcome visitors such as venomous snakes, to seek food, water and shelter in populated areas, sometimes right into our backyards.

The California Poison Control System receives hundreds of rattlesnake exposure calls every year, especially from April to October. Although rattlesnake bites are rarely fatal, they can cause severe injury or death, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and prevention is the key to human safety.

 Wildlife Capture Specialist Ben Nuckolls safely handles a Northern California Rattlesnake removed from my backyard. Nuckolls accepts donations through California Wildlife Encounters to keep his work going. Photo by Jane Miki Gagnier

“Snakes start roaming around when they get desperate for water,” said Jake Molieri, owner of SNAKEOUT, Inc.

“They can die if they become overheated, so it’s not unusual to find them on hot days near water sources like sprinklers, fountains, pools, pet water dishes and inside flowerpots,” Molieri said.

Molieri’s business provides humane snake removal services, educational resources and canine rattlesnake aversion clinics.

He’s one of a handful of local snake removal companies specializing in removing rattlesnakes from businesses and homes. Molieri sees a growing need for public education and awareness of wildlife behavior, especially as more people from other areas move into Sacramento County and the foothills.

 Save The Snakes teaches students and wildlife professionals how to handle venomous snakes safely. The organization accepts donations to keep their work going. Photo courtesy of Save The Snakes

“Rattlesnakes are important to our ecosystem. We don’t need to live in fear of them. But we need to be vigilant and respect them for their role in the environment like we do for other wildlife,” Molieri explained.

Depending on the county, this region is home to between 10 and 13 different species, including the venomous Northern Pacific Rattlesnake, which is often the target of fear and misconception.

Sacramentan Michael Starkey supports snake conservation worldwide through his nonprofit Save The Snakes organization.

“We haven’t solved the problem by killing and removing them,” Starkey said. “Rattlesnakes are simple creatures with survival needs similar to ours. They are much more afraid of you than you are of them and won’t strike unless provoked.”

Starkey’s organization provides training courses that teach students about venomous snake behavior and how to safely handle them.

“Empowering individuals to learn about snakes helps conserve their population in the ecosystem,” he said.

Keeping your home snake-free

Rattlesnake sightings and encounters can occur at any time of year in this area but are more frequent as the snakes become active when temperatures rise above 70 degrees. Should you find one in your yard, don’t panic. Follow the experts’ advice to keep your property snake-free.

“Understanding their behavior and habits is the first step in safety and prevention,” said Ben Nuckolls, Wildlife Capture Specialist and owner/operator of California Wildlife Encounters. With 30 years of experience, Nuckolls is trained to safely work with all types of wildlife, often including venomous snakes.

“The important thing to remember is that rodents attract snakes,” Nuckolls said. “Removing a snake’s food source is crucial to keeping your home snake-free.”

Nuckolls frequently responds to calls from livestock owners and residents in rural communities who find rattlesnakes in the loose straw where rodents burrow or near chicken coops where rodents eat the feed.

Homeowners can reduce snake encounters by keeping their yards, sheds and garages clutter-free. This involves cleaning up all birdseed from the ground, trimming weeds, grass and overgrown foliage—and conducting regular home perimeter inspections, including checking woodpiles and areas near water sources.

Snake experts also advise homeowners near open spaces and greenbelts to invest in rattlesnake fencing installed by a professional to minimize snake entry points.

Should you encounter a rattlesnake in your yard, it’s recommended that you call a professional to safely and humanely remove it. Don’t try to remove it yourself or kill it unless you’ve been trained in handling venomous snakes. A scared, provoked snake will try to defend itself.

Experts recommend having a plan in place and keeping the phone numbers of local snake removal companies or your local county Animal Control handy in case you need them at any time. Check with your nearest hospital or emergency facility to ensure they carry the antivenom. A rattlesnake bite is a medical emergency.

 Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes are common in this area. Photo by Judy Andrews