Department of Fish and Game Issues Tips on Staying 'Rattlesnake Safe'

As it heats up and more people head outside, there's also a higher likelihood of rattlesnake encounters, the state's Department of Fish and Game said Monday as it warned residents to stay away from rattlesnakes and offered tips on what to do if one strikes.

Most bites occur between the months of April and October, the department said in a press release. Rattlesnakes account for more than 800 bites each year in the U.S., with one to two deaths, according to the California Poison Control Center.

Rattlesnakes can be found in home gardens and garages, as well as in urban areas and golf courses, among other locations, the department said.

Here are some safety precautions listed by the department:

• Wear hiking boots and loose-fitting long pants.
• Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking through wild areas.
• When hiking, stick to well-used trails.
• Avoid tall grass, weeds and heavy underbrush where snakes may hide during the day.
• Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see, and avoid wandering around in the dark.
• Step on logs and rocks, never over them, and be especially careful when climbing rocks or gathering firewood.
• Check out stumps or logs before sitting down, and shake out sleeping bags before use.
• Never grab “sticks" or “branches” while swimming in lakes and rivers. Rattlesnakes can swim.
• Be careful when stepping over doorsteps as well. Snakes like to crawl along the edge of buildings where they are protected on one side.
• Never hike alone. Always have someone with you who can assist in an emergency.
• Do not handle a freshly killed snake, as it can still inject venom.
• Teach children early to respect snakes and to leave them alone.

If bitten, wash the bite area with soap and water and head to the nearest medical facility. Don't apply a tourniquet, ice the bite area, suck out the venom, or let the bite victim drink alcohol, the department warned.