Longer days and warmer weather means spending more time outside working in the yard,  hiking and biking on local trails, fishing, and more. A rise in temperatures also means an increase in rattlesnake sightings. While there is no specific rattlesnake season, most rattlesnake bites occur between April and October, when people and snakes are most active outdoors and the weather is nice. It’s uncommon for snakes to be active once temps dip below 55°F, but since temperatures like those are months and months away, be extra vigilant until then.

Your best defense against venomous snakes is not to take a chance in the first place. Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking in areas where you cannot clearly see where you are placing your feet. Always wear long pants and snake bite protection such as Razer lower leg snake gaiters or full Turtleskin snake chaps.

Here are a few tips for keeping rattlesnakes out of your yard:

• Keep the grass on your property cut short.
• Cut away any vegetation that may grow against the fence.
• Remove piles of wood, leaves or any hiding spots for snakes.
• Pick up any fallen fruit, keep trash cans securely closed, and feed pets indoors. These attract mice and rats, which in turn attract snakes.
• Rattlesnakes cannot dig burrows, but will use those dug by rodents. After controlling rodents, fill in all burrows with soil or sod and pack down firmly.
• Check under your house, around the perimeter and in enclosed cool areas to close any gaps where a rattlesnake could hide. When it gets really hot, snakes seek cool spots.

Tips to avoid rattlesnakes out in the wild:

• Watch your step and pay attention to your surroundings.
• Look for concealed snakes before picking up rocks, sticks or firewood.
• Check carefully around stumps or logs before sitting.
• When climbing, always look before putting your hands in a new location.
• If walking at night, be sure to use a flashlight.
• Never grab what appear to be sticks or branches while swimming; rattlesnakes are excellent swimmers.
• Do not hike alone. Always have a buddy to help in case of an emergency. Carry a fully charged mobile phone and let people know where you plan to hike and how long you will be gone.

If you are bitten by a rattlesnake or other venomous snake Call 911 or go to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible!  And hopefully you will never be faced with this terrifying situation— a Southern California truck driver recently received an unexpected package with a live rattlesnake inside,  leading him to believe it was attempted murder! The driver, 60-year-old Elijah Bowles, said someone had placed cotton balls inside the box to prevent postal workers from hearing the snake's rattle. The man called 911 after he picked up a package at the Twentynine Palms post office and made the discovery.