Rattlesnakes at Ballona Wetlands
Article Written By Reave Call
The dilemma for the rattlesnake is that people know it exists. So many people, in fact, that it’s both the most well-known viper in Western America and produces the most widely recognized sound of any north american reptile.
With cultural significance ranging from American indigenous stories to iconography relating to the founding of the U.S., these snakes are important players in the cultural landscape of the United States. More than any of this, however, these snakes are simply a fascinating and essential part of our local ecology.
Rattlesnakes are members of the Crotalinae subfamily of the Viperidae family and can be most easily recognized by their distinctive rattle and their broad, wedge-shaped heads. Rattlesnakes will be most often found in crevices beneath rocks and logs and otherwise hiding away in isolated spaces. In the open, they are likely to be encountered earlier in the morning while basking to raise their temperatures. On colder days, snakes may be lethargic and may be slow to move out of the way if found lying along the trail. California rattlesnakes, and indeed, most rattlesnakes will display a splotched or loosely banded pattern along their backs, and can vary in color from a deep gray to a bright cream, so color is not a particularly effective indicator of species unless you are well-versed in the differences between them.
While each rattlesnake species dwells in a distinct habitat, the general behavior of all rattlers is that of reclusive and conflict-averse snakes. Fortunately for the outdoors enjoyer, this means that expending energy defending itself is the furthest thing from a rattlesnake's mind, and to that end, rattlesnakes will make an attempt to warn would-be aggressors unless truly startled.
Photos taken from CaliforniaHerps.com
It should be noted that the more common and entirely harmless gopher snake can seem similar from a distance, though the cream coloration of the gopher snake, along with a less demarcated pattern and smooth, arrow-like head, all indicate that you are seeing the common gopher snake, and not a rattler species.
California is home to a wide variety of rattlesnakes, dwelling in environments ranging from desert dunes to forest leaf litter, though most will enjoy the scrub margins and chaparral that blankets much of the southern state. Some species known to be found within California include the iconic Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, the enigmatic desert dwelling Sidewinder Rattlesnake, the brightly rattled Mojave Rattlesnake, the ice cream resembling Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake, and the glamorous Red Diamond Rattlesnake.
Among the most common of Southern California rattlesnakes is the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake, which one may encounter in hikes along the Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Park, or the Ballona Wetlands. This species (Crotalus oreganus helleri) can be recognized by the blunted snout of the species, and a lighter chin on the underside of the face. Unfortunately, the color morphs of the Southern Pacific rattler vary dramatically, and so a certain identification is not entirely plausible,
though the most common morph near Los Angeles tends to be a lighter gray body with darker, circular splotches along the back of the animal. This species ranges from rocky outcrops to chaparral hillsides, and will be found most anywhere there is suitable habitat. If you do encounter this species enjoying a meal, it will most likely be a small mammal, with favorites being mice, gophers, and young ground squirrels. The Southern Pacific rattler can be found from north of Santa Barbara down into upper Baja California, with the related Northern Pacific Rattler being found from below Big Sur up into Oregon. Notably, the Southern Pacific, Northern Pacific, and Great Basin rattlesnakes are all considered subspecies of the Western Rattlesnake, ranging across all but the Southeast deserts of the state. Rather, California’s southeast is where one will often find the more colorful rattler species, such as the aforementioned Red Diamond and Speckled rattlesnake. As such, all rattlesnakes you will likely encounter will announce themselves with a rattle if frightened.
It’s because of this willingness to advertise itself that these species are so easy to avoid if the proper precautions are taken, namely, to avoid sitting on, picking up, or disturbing logs, rocks, or other hiding places if you are not certain they are snake free. In the event a rock or log needs to be moved, do so gently and from a distance with a stick or other aid. Avoid going off trail, or otherwise stepping into tall grass or brush, as rattlesnakes will often warn you, but in the event you step on one, they may react with a frightened bite. If you hear a rattlesnake’s rattle, step away quickly and calmly, and if you see one lying across a trail and blocking your path, simply wait for it to realize your presence and move.
In any case, the rattlesnake simply wants to be out of your way, and if treated with respect and distance, it may present you with a captivating insight into the wonderful ecology that dwells all around us.
In the event that someone is bitten, follow these guidelines below.
IMPORTANT: In the event that someone is bitten at Ballona Wetlands, UCLA Medical Center in Westwood (757 Westwood Plaza, L.A., 90095) is the closest hospital that carries the antivenom (Cedars Sinai in Marina del Rey does not carry it!). It is important to confirm with paramedics that the hospital has been notified and is preparing the antivenom.
In the case of an emergency, always call 911 immediately.
Call emergency services (911) immediately. Provide the nearest address:
Stay calm, don’t panic.
Elevate the bitten limb above the level of the heart, if feasible.
Remove any constrictive items, such as jewelry or clothing, near the bite site.
If symptoms allow, walk to an area where you can meet paramedics or send someone to meet the paramedics.
Provide detailed information to medical professionals about the snake (if identified).
Follow medical professionals' guidance for further treatment.