Rattlesnakes are prevalent on all locations in Southern California. (With obvious exceptions i.e., stages, downtown etc…) In the L.A. area there is only one species of rattlesnake, (Southern Pacific Rattlesnake) and they have variable color differences. Black or light gray with pale yellow diamond blotches down the back. The obvious ID is of course the rattle on the tail. Adults have very obvious rattles at the tip of the tail but the babies do not, and can’t rattle yet until they start to shed their skin. (Every time they shed, they get another link – up to 6 times a year.)
The young ones are no more dangerous than the adults. The venom is exactly the same but the young ones have much less. The danger lies in their small size and lack of noise; however, they are quite capable of delivering a bite as soon as they are born. Babies are born live at 6 to 9 inches long and a huge adult is very rarely more than 4 feet long. Despite stories of 8 footers, they are in fact just that, stories. The venom of the Southern Pacific rattlesnake is highly toxic. The good news is that there is an anti-venom at most local hospitals and will be administered by a doctor and not by the set medic!
The Green Mojave rattlesnake lives in the high desert only. This is one of the USA’s most dangerous rattlesnakes and should be treated with extreme caution! The venom on this snake is neurotoxic and is a lot faster acting and more dangerous than the Southern Pacific rattlesnake’s heamotoxic venom. This is not a large snake. 3 feet being huge, and are usually seen early morning, late afternoon, early evening and of course at night.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do wear good shoes/boots.
Do use a flashlight at night.
Do use common sense.
Be aware that snakes do not attack but will defend themselves if harassed.
Do not try to kill them, move them or try to catch them, keep in mind, no one has ever been bitten by leaving a snake alone! Call a professional snake catcher on set.
Do call for the snake catcher when entering long grass, scouting old buildings and rubbish piles etc… This is where the snakes like to hide.
Remember that your chance of survival is very good and that approximately 17% of rattlesnake bites are “dry” meaning no venom was injected. It was a warning.
If Bitten
If bitten, do not run, cut, suck or use a tourniquet. Stay as calm as you can, have someone contact the set medic immediately and he will contact the local hospital and arrange for transportation. Do not drink tea, coffee or any other caffeinated drink. A small amount of water is okay. Symptoms of envenomation will be almost immediate. (i.e., pain) Generally speaking, one has at least an hour before severe symptoms set in and by that time you should be under the care of a physician.
Southern Ca. Locations outside of the Los Angeles Area:
Palmdale/Lancaster
List of Rattlesnakes in Los Angeles and Surrounding areas.
Southern Pacific Rattlesnake….Los Angeles area(including Acton, Santa Clarita, Ventura, Frazier Park, San Bernardino and yes, Griffith park!)
Mojave Rattlesnake……………Palmdale/Lancaster (High Desert)
Sidewinder…………………….Mojave, Palmdale , Lancaster, Palm Springs,Death Valley
Red Diamond Rattlesnake…….Orange County, Palm Springs
Diamondback Rattlesnake…….Extreme S.E. of California (Arizona/California border)
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake….San Luis Obispo, Tehachepi.
