Snake Bite in Marin Serves Up Warning That Rattlesnake Season is Here

A local resident was bitten by a rattlesnake earlier this month on Iron Springs Road near Fairfax, providing a potent reminder that rattlesnake season has arrived in Marin and prompting wildlife and health officials to remind Bay Area residents about snake safety.

Medical personnel from the Ross Valley Fire Department responded to a person who was bit by a snake off of Iron Springs Road near Fairfax.

Fire spokeswoman JoAnne Lewis said the victim, who was bitten at the end of last week, was taken to the hospital.

A spokeswoman at the San Rafael-based WildCare wildlife organization said the person bit by a young snake was a woman hiking in the area during the heat wave at the end of the week.

Alison Hermance said young snakes are more of a risk to humans because they have less impulse control.

Although the cold-blooded reptiles come out to warm up in the heat, Hermance assured that "snakes don't actually want to strike you."

She said that they have a limited amount of venom they don't want to waste.

Despite rattlesnake fears, Hermance said in 2012 only two snakes were dropped off at the center after being found in gardens or near homes.

She noted that the rattlers "give you a solid warning" and the snake will make some fake lunges before actually biting and releasing their poison.

Hermance said anyone who does encounter a snake is advised to back away slowly. Those hiking or walking should wear boots above the ankle. Pets should be on a leash.

Officials said nationwide only one out of 500 bites result in serious injury.

The Santa Clara County Emergency Medical Services System sent out an alert to this week with the following tips.

• If you see a snake, stop and keep your distance. Give the snake plenty of room to get away. 
• Wear heavy boots that are four inches above the ankle, and long pants when hiking. 
• Snakes seen cool areas, too. Always watch where you step and be sure to look for snakes in areas of high brush, under logs and when stepping over logs, or fallen trees. 
• When it’s cool, snakes seek warmer areas. Be observant for snakes sunning on rocks or trails, especially in the cooler times of day.
• NEVER try to touch a snake or scare it away. Give the snake its space and back away to a safe place. 
• Tell a ranger or park staff if you see a snake, and NEVER try to catch it.  

In the rare case of being bitten by a snake, remember these steps:

• Do not panic, remain calm, and slowly move away from the snake. 
• Call 9-1-1 or send someone for help 
• DO NOT apply cold pack, tourniquet, cut the bite, or attempt to suck-out venom 
• Avoid movement of the area that was bitten. 
• Keep the bite at or below heart level. 
• Do not attempt to kill or catch the snake but do try to remember what the snake looked like. 
• If you have time, take note of the time of the bite.
• Remember, remain calm and wait for help.

Have you seen snakes around lately? Tell us in the comments!

–Bay City News Service contributed to this report. Copyright © 2013 by Bay City News, Inc. – Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. 

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