Northern Pacific rattlesnakes are the Bay Area's only venomous snake, typically growing to 15-36 inches in length and boasting brown or grey coloring with darker splotches referred to as “saddles.” They can be identified by the rattle located on their tails, their diamond-shaped heads and stocky build.
One amazing adaptation of rattlesnakes is their heat-sensing pit organs. Located between the eye and nostril, the pit organ allows for thermoregulation and potentially improves their ability to sense the heat of their warm-blooded prey.
The harmless look-alike gopher snake is much slimmer, doesn’t have a rattle, and can get much longer than rattlesnakes. When threatened, gopher snakes may imitate rattlesnakes by flattening their heads and shaking their tails. Rattlesnakes often give an audible rattle warning. If you happen to encounter a rattlesnake on an outdoor excursion, don’t panic.
Safety Tips
- Stay on paths and trails. Avoid tall grass, weeds, brush and logs or rocky areas where rattlesnakes may be hidden.
- Watch your step. Keep hands and feet out of areas you can’t see, such as holes or piles of rocks or brush.
- Step on logs and rocks, not over them.
- Look before placing your hands.
- Wear tall, sturdy hiking boots.
- Don’t touch, tease or pick up a snake.
- Don’t handle a snake that appears to be dead.
- Keep an eye on children and pets.
- Give rattlesnakes the right-of-way. Stay safe, give it space!
- If you are bitten by a rattlesnake remain calm, call 911 and seek professional medical assistance.
Because of the risk to visitors and wildlife, visitors should not kill or attempt to move snakes of any type. If you are concerned about a snake you have encountered on District land, please call Midpen at (650) 691-1200, and staff will carefully review the situation to determine whether relocation or other action should be taken.