Beware Crotalus Oreganus


Posted 10/18/2011 by Pet Deals


Any pet who spends time outdoors – especially during summer months – is bound to encounter a snake at some point in their lives. Although most Bay Area snake varieties are completely harmless, one very venomous one thrives here. Even if you think the chances of your pooch or kitty getting in trouble with a snake are remote, it’s worth having a little bit of knowledge just in case. The site of a slithery snake can bring out the prey drive in even the most sensible and complacent of pets.

 

 

The Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus Oreganus)

The only venomous snake native to the SF Bay area and the only one you really need to worry about. 

 

Spotting a Rattler

Look for a diamond-shaped head on a skinny neck and elliptical, snake-y eyes.  Rattlers come in lots of colors and marking patterns – often matching their environment – olive-green, gray, brown, golden, reddish brown, yellowish, or tan with darker  blotches. Best not to go by their color, markings or whether you see or hear a rattle (babies don’t have them yet).  Please don’t get this close.

Get familiar with the sound of a rattler making his presence known…it’s really more a buzz than a rattle.

 

A Rattler’s Lifestyle

Unfortunately “our” rattler isn’t just found under rocks in the desert.  Crotalus also likes seaside dunes, scrub, grasslands, rocky hillsides, chaparral, open woodlands, and agricultural fields – just about any place between sea level and 11,000 feet.  And they’re not strictly nocturnal – in milder climes, they’re also diurnal (active day or night). They’re most active in warm months but don’t count them out in winter. If your dog or cat is a real hunter, you need to at least be aware of rattlers year round.

Rattlers love rocks, rocky outcrops, crevices, caves, tall grass, and dirt or sand burrows. Rattlers may burrow in large groups or in the company of other snakes (yuck) in cooler weather. Being cold-blooded, they favor a sunny basking spot in the morning, heading for shade as the sun climbs. 

Rattlers are defensive by nature and NOT naturally aggressive unless you’re a small rodent, bird, rabbit, amphibian, or another snake.  Adult California Ground Squirrels, interestingly, are immune to rattler venom (not sure snakes know this) and therefore very cheeky around Crotalus Oreganus.

The rattler’s usual MO if startled or confronted is to slither away while rattling furiously. The problem comes in when they’re cornered or pursued by a barky, pushy dog or a cat with a death wish.

 

     MORE RATTLER FACTOIDS

  • Rattler youngsters are most dangerous because they have all the venom but no rattles to warn you and even less self-control (sound familiar?).  Babies are born live between August and October and have bright yellow tails.

  • Fangs often break off when a rattler strikes but will regenerate.

  • A dead snake can still bite and inject venom… jaws can reflexively open if touched.  Don’t let your dog get near a dead snake.  “Leave it!” is the watchword.

 

 

A Pound of Prevention

While hiking with your pet in snake country, it’s best to stick to open paths where you have a clear view and to keep your pet on leash. Sorry, but it’s just too tempting for some dogs to explore holes, dig under rocks and logs, and otherwise look for trouble in snake country.

Wannabe wildcats can also get themselves in trouble if the wild kingdom they’re allowed to roam has rattlers. While most wildlife experts don’t believe there’s an effective rattler repellant, you can help protect your outside kitty by reducing the snake food supply: remove weeds and brush near your house, keep tall grass mown, plug up holes in the ground, and get rid of big rocks and wood piles. Sinking a fence a foot or two into the ground (solid or a small gauge wire mesh) can help keep both snakes and their prey food out of your yard.

Be aware that during hot spells rattler prey are often driven into residential neighborhoods and irrigated parks. The same thing can happen when an old house is torn down or vacant lot cleared.  Rodents and other critters flee; smart snakes follow.

If you encounter a snake, just stay still and give the poor thing time to move away. Supposedly snakes can only strike half the length of their body but who’s dumb enough to test this?  (Are you looking at your dog?)

If your pet is unfortunate enough to have a close encounter, don’t take chances. If you even suspect they’ve been struck, get to a vet immediately.  Don’t assume because you don’t see bite marks or sudden, significant swelling that there’s been no bite.  Don’t waste time with home remedies like sucking the venom out.  Minutes count here. Try to keep your pet calm and quiet to slow the spread of venom and get to the nearest vet any way you can.

 

Vaccines

Rattlesnake vaccinations for pets do exist (and you may even be able to find a pet coupon for one). Veterinary opinions on their effectiveness are mixed, however. Depending on the amount of venom injected, the size of your pet, how quickly treatment is administered and other factors, a vaccine may minimize the effect of a snakebite. Get an opinion from your vet before you line up for one.


This Pets Love Deals, Inc. article is intended for general information only. It is not intended to be professional medical advice and is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified veterinarian. Pets Love Deals, Inc. makes no representations or warranties in relation to the information on this website. You must not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to medical advice from your licensed veterinarian. If in doubt, call your Vet! Nothing in this article or elsewhere on this website should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of veterinary medicine.

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