Your next trip to California’s poppy fields may come with a wonderful surprise.
On Sunday, Times photographer Raul Roa caught a rattlesnake hiding under a bed of poppies south of Highway 138 in Lancaster. In the video, the snake moves its tongue, a common sensory behavior used to detect chemical signals in the air and Identify nearby prey or potential predators.
The snake appears to be a Mojave rattlesnake, often called the “Mojave green”, which is known to live in areas of the Antelope Valley, which is part of the western Mojave Desert.
About 50 rattlesnake species can be found in California, according to Department of Fish and Wildlife. Only seven native rattlesnake species in California are venomous, including the Mojave, Western diamondback, red diamond, southern Pacific, northern Pacific, Great Basin, and spotted rattlesnakes.
Depending on the species, rattlesnakes can grow from 1 to 8 feet long and weigh up to 10 pounds. Los Angeles Zoo. Despite its potential danger, the snake generally avoids confrontation.
“When encountering humans, the first instinct of snakes is to flee, but if suddenly disturbed or cornered they will attack,” A. 1991 Times report Said.
Rattlesnakes are typically most active in the spring and summer, but encounters with them have been reported earlier this year, raising safety concerns.
A 25-year-old man died last month Suspected rattlesnake bite On a hiking path in Irvine, and a teenage girl on Friday ventura county Survived the bite with minor injuries.
For visitors to the poppy fields, which are currently at their peak during May, here’s what to do if you encounter a snake.
stay away from flowers
Were you hoping to wade into the flowers in bloom, maybe get into your summer shorts and take a photo for social media? Experts advise against it.
“Rattlesnakes are in the fields!” warned park officials from Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. They ask hikers to stay on marked routes first.
Go slowly as you proceed on the trail. Rattlesnakes can often heard before they were seen. Be alert.
Avoid going into the field to take photographs. Rattlesnakes are known hide among dense vegetationIn this case poppy seeds.
Keep children close and do not bring your dog onto the reserve. Only service dogs wearing specific markers are allowed in the park.
If you see a rattlesnake on the trail, alert park staff. According to park officials, encounters with snakes are especially common during hot days, both during the day and evening.
what to do if you get bitten
There are some precautions you can take before visiting flower fields or hiking trails.
to pass map In hand.
Rattlesnake bites are the most common hands, feet and ankles. wear and tear Ankle-high boots, thick socks and loose-fitting pants. Avoid walking barefoot or wearing open-toed shoes.
Be sure to keep a charged cellphone. If you are bitten, call 911 immediately.
according to UC Davis Health CenterYou should not apply ice or a tourniquet, or attempt to suck out the venom or use any instruments to cut the affected area.
Avoid taking painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And do not consume Any alcohol or caffeine.
Wash the wound with soap and water if possible; Avoid using antiseptic wipes, which can irritate the wound. The UC Davis Health Center recommends removing wristwatches and rings from fingers if there is swelling.
Try to remain calm until you get medical attention and remember that fatal bites are extremely rare.
