East Bay parks officials issue rattlesnake advisory

(KRON) — As temperatures rise this May, more rattlesnakes will be slithering along hiking trails in the East Bay.

“Rattlesnakes are native to California and, like other snakes, emerge from winter hibernation in early spring and become more active. This can lead to more encounters with humans and dogs, especially along trails and roads, but also in rural and urban areas. East Bay Regional Parks visitors are encouraged to keep snake safety precautions in mind,” a spokesperson for EBRP wrote Thursday.

If you see a rattlesnake, leave it alone, move away slowly, and give the creature plenty of space, parks officials said.

All native wildlife are protected by law. “The northern Pacific rattlesnake is the species found in East Bay Regional Parks. Do not try to capture or harm it. Snakes are an important resource in the natural environment. They are primary controlling agents of rodents and other reptile populations,” the spokesperson wrote.

If bitten by a rattlesnake, stay calm, have someone call 911 to get medical attention quickly, and lie down, parks officials said. If you are alone, walk to the nearest source of help to dial 911. Do not run, because doing so increases your heart rate and spreads poisoned blood faster through the body.

East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks and over 1,330 miles of trails.