Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes evoke fear when you head out on the trail or into the wilderness. Right now, I’m thinking of a number of family members and friends who won’t even want to read this post, because they are already so freaked out by snakes.  I’m not petrified, but I am cautious. Rattlesnakes are a member of our wild community — and rather than fearing them we can just make sure we give them plenty of respect and DISTANCE.

Tip #1

We lived in Colorado when the kids were very young. In the rugged park across from our house there were regular rattlesnake sightings and evidence of mountain lions. It’s not like mountain lions here where you’d rarely see or hear of them.  We’d be walking along and come across deer parts regularly. The strategy they taught in Colorado was to have 2 adults walk ahead of and behind the children like a book end.  We looked bigger that way to the mountain lions – and it helped to have an observant adult up front to watch for hazards on the trail.  The same strategy works well for our nature hikes around here – and for spotting snakes.

A little story about my first ever rattlesnake sighting:
We took a very careful hike in Laguna Canyon on a warm February day and came out unscathed! We walked just like I described above with my husband in front and me pulling up the rear. I was so relieved that we hadn’t spotted any snakes! I set the kids free from our little line once we got to the parking lot. My very young daughter ran a few steps ahead of us towards the car.  Right as she passed, a HUGE rattlesnake on the right side of the trail flew from behind her across to the left side of the trail and to the safety of its hole. I’m sure we scared it much more than it scared us. Luckily, my daughter was running, didn’t see it, and kept on going.  It was scarier for me who had to dash after her knowing what was hiding below me — but there was no way for me to get to her without crossing the same way.  Of course, the snake stayed put in its hole.

Tip #2

Just like when I talk to the lifeguards when we go to the beach, I talk to the rangers when I come to a new natural area.  They know where there have been wildlife sightings that day and spots to avoid.  Don’t be shy about this.  I usually say something like: “Anything we should know about?”  Even places we’re familiar with can have different wildlife encounters or terrain based on the season.  Plus, it’s fun chatting it up with the experts!

Tip #3

Read safety precautions recommended by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife when you are in “snake country” which is basically anywhere in Orange County. Be prepared and have a plan for what you are going to do.

Tip #4

As spring turns into summer, I’d recommend giving playgrounds known for rattlesnakes an adult preview before setting the kids free.

Tip #5

Don’t let your fears keep you inside.  Ron Swaisgood and his wife, Janice, run a large Children and Nature Network inspired nature club in San Diego. Ron just wrote a great blog post (Risk and Reward in Nature: Can a Family Nature Club help you tip the balance in favor of nature?) He wrote from the perspective of a man who is used to taking lots of risks, but how the father in him isn’t so willing.  How can you overcome your fears?

• One way is to join a family nature club, as Ron suggests.
• Go with nature fanatic friends who may know more than you.
• Make your first outing a guided one with a ranger — and then you may feel more comfortable going back on your own.
• Weigh the risk in your head.  I know it’s easy to psych yourself out.  I can make myself crazy about driving myself in the car to pick up the kids from school!!  I’m petrified of that — especially with everybody texting and using their phones in the car.  I witness that risky behavior EVERY day and have had MANY close calls.  Yet, I’ve only seen a rattlesnake once as it was rapidly slithering away from us.
• Pick outdoor places where you do feel comfortable and there’s less likelihood of snake encounters: the beach or the neighborhood swimming pool.  Is your mind starting to wander to all the hazards of water? See. It’s all a matter of perspective.

Originally posted in March 2012.