EVERY SEASON IS RATTLESNAKE SEASON IN SAN DIEGO

By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office

November 16, 2016 (San Diego) - You just never know when you might come across a rattlesnake. Imagine the surprise of a Del Mar Mesa resident who opened the front door to check for a package last week only to find this red diamond rattlesnake right on the doorstep!

The resident called County Animal Services’ emergency dispatch number and texted the dispatchers a photograph of the snake. An animal control officer responded to the scene and removed the snake from the doorway.

“If you see a rattlesnake on your property, keep an eye on it from a safe distance and call us,” said County Animal Services Deputy Director Dan DeSousa. “We’ll impound the snake and remove it to an area where it doesn’t pose a risk to the public.”

With the moderate climate in San Diego, County Animal Services receives calls of rattlesnakes year round. While sightings may spike during hot spells or the summer months, County Animal Services says rattlesnakes can show up at any time from the coast to the deserts.

If you live in the County’s unincorporated areas or the cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, San Diego, Santee or Solana Beach, call Animal Services at (619) 236-2341 for help removing rattlesnakes from your residence. Otherwise, call the animal control agency for your city.

Find out how to avoid rattlesnake encounters and what to do if you are bitten in these tips we put together several years ago. You can also visit County Animal Services website for more rattlesnake information.