Spring brings out snakes and lizards

Heavy rains this past winter may lead to the breeding of more baby snakes, according to Kurt Broz, wildlife biologist for the Pala Band of Mission Indians.

“Snakes will be breeding because there’s more food,” Broz said.

However, he said, “The actual number of adult snakes will probably be the same as any other year.”

Broz explained that there is usually a two year lag following a big rainy season before a substantial increase in the number of adult snakes is seen.

While more babies are born because of the fertile laying grounds, a lot of them will be eaten or picked off by birds. It will take a season or two for the surviving snakes to grow into adults.

“But if we have a couple more years of heavy rains, then we will see more snakes,” Broz said.

In the valleys and coastal areas of Southern California, snakes and lizards tend to start coming out in late February and stick around until the weather cools in late October. But unlike cooler climates in Northern California, Broz said local reptiles don’t need to go into hibernation here.

“Any day its warm, you could technically see a snake or a lizard,” he said. Reptiles need a warm environment to keep their bodies heated.

Peak activity for rattlesnakes is going to align with peak activity of the small animals they prey on, like mice or rabbits, said Broz, which is why the Pala Environmental Department sent out a public flyer in mid-April on rattlesnake safety.

While there are a variety of snakes in the area, the only venomous snakes dangerous to humans are rattlesnakes. Rattlesnakes common to the area include the Pacific rattlesnake and the red Diamondback rattlesnake.

Heavily bodied with large heads, rattlesnakes are cryptic in nature and blend into their surroundings. They are generally nocturnal, are not usually active and have rattles.

Other snakes may bite or pretend to be dangerous but are completely harmless.

Some of the larger non-venomous snakes common in our area include the black and white-striped California kingsnake; the gopher snake, which may mimic rattlers as they like to curl up and hide under bushes; and the coachwhips, also known as racers, which are highly active in the way they hunt for food.

“Most snakes, especially rattlers, sit there and wait for their food to walk by,” Broz said.

Smaller snakes may include garter snakes, common in wet areas where they like to snack on frogs and small fish, or ring-neck snakes found in yards and gardens and like to eat salamanders.

This time of year, lizards also make a greater appearance. While there are over 50 species of lizards in California, there are a few regulars.

Side-blotched lizards are one of the most abundant and commonly observed lizards in the western desert regions. Their breeding colors vary in patterns of blue, red and yellow. Fence lizards are also common. They are spiny with rough, pointed scales and can be found sunning themselves on rocks, logs, barn sheds and fences. Fence lizards may often be seen doing pushups on a high rock, which Broz said, is a territorial display for males. One other type is the skink lizard, which belongs to a diverse group of lizards with a cylinder-like body and little stumpy legs. Broz said they are small, may look like a salamander and like to hide under rocks.

Other creatures one might see in the garden are salamanders, while geckos are nocturnal and tend to show up under an outdoor light where they may be seen catching moths.

None of these lizards are harmful, but mostly enjoy eating bugs around the house.

If a rattlesnake is spotted in or around the home, it is best to leave the area and call a pest control specialist, who can safely handle snakes. Only kill a rattlesnake as an absolute last resort, according to the Pala Environmental Department. Many people get bit while trying to kill them. Dead rattlesnakes still have active venom and people have been “bitten” by a dead snake. The most likely person to be bitten by a rattlesnake is an adult male harassing the snake, either as a joke or trying to kill it.

Wildlife officials said a rattlesnake does not want to bite people, so allowing it to leave unharmed is always the safest option.

Be sure to supervise children or animals outside during rattlesnake season. Wear heavy boots and walk on paths when hiking. Remove debris like lumber piles or trash from around the home to prevent both snakes and their rodent prey from nesting. A homeowner can also put up nest boxes for owls and hawks, many of whom eat rattlesnakes.

If someone is bitten by a rattlesnake, call 911 and try to stay calm. Do not suck the venom or cut the wound, officials advise. It is dangerous and does not work. Remove tight fitting clothing around the wound and elevate it. Rattlesnake bites are rarely fatal if treated quickly and many do not inject venom when biting people. The best option is to get help immediately.

For more information on rattlesnake safety, call the Pala Environmental Department at (760) 891-3510.