The Puente Hills Preserve is home
to an intricate array of native plants, mammals, birds, insects, and reptiles, among
others, all of whom play a vital role in supporting the health of the ecosystem.
While visiting the Preserve’s beautiful natural scenery and observing its
abundant wildlife, there is a group of southern Californian natives that can be
particularly exciting to meet; the rattlesnakes. If you have visited the hills
recently, you may have come across signs at a trailhead warning about the
dangers of this reptile. However, there are many aspects of this snake that
make it a special and integral part of the Puente Hills wildlife community.
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| Western Rattlesnake |
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| Red Diamond Rattlesnake |
In all, there are 32 known species of rattlesnakes;
7 of which can be found in California. The Puente Hills are home to two of such
species; the western rattlesnake (Crotalus
viridis)
and the red diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber). Both species can often
be observed slithering among trailside grasses, stretched out on a trail or
sunbathing on rock outcrops, and can grow to be over 3 feet long. The western
rattlesnake is distinguished by tan and dark-brown blotches, a triangular head
with pit heat-sensors on both sides, and two internasals at the tip of its head.
The red diamond rattlesnake, as its name suggests, displays reddish to tan
diamond-shaped scales with black-and-white bands along its tail. The coloration
of rattlesnakes helps them to effectively camouflage themselves in the
environment and stay well-hidden from predators.
When these snakes shed their
skin, each shedding produces a new rattle at the end of their tails. These
rattles are definitive characteristics of the snake and can be heard as a
warning signal to potential threats or predators. Rattlesnakes will typically
give a short rattle as a warning, which will grow to a steady loud rattle if
the snake feels threatened. If you hear a rattlesnake, do not move until you
locate the precise location of the snake, back away slowly, and keep a safe
distance. Rattlesnakes rarely strike if they are unprovoked. Never attempt to pick up a rattlesnake!
Like
all pit vipers, rattlesnakes are equipped with an exceptional set of sensory
organs that help them locate prey. These include pits at the tip of their nose
to sense thermal radiation from warm-blooded animals, eyes adapted to nocturnal
use, and a keen sense of smell from both nostrils and sensory tissues on their
tongues.
Once a prey animal is located, rattlesnakes use their quick striking
ability and fangs to inject powerful hemotoxic venoms. The venom travels
through the blood of the prey, causing intense swelling, pain, and tissue
damage. The main prey of Puente Hills rattlers are rabbits, squirrels, rats,
birds, lizards, and some insects. Though rattlesnakes are effective predators themselves,
they are also heavily preyed upon by hawks, crows, foxes, raccoons, and
coyotes. Thus, the ecological significance of rattlesnakes is large as they
help to regulate rodent populations and provide food for other native Puente
Hills species.
Although
rattlesnakes are dangerous, the likelihood of being bit is very low. If you see
a snake, stay calm and slowly move away. Remember to stay on designated trails
within the Preserve and scan the trail ahead. If a snake is directly in the
path, keeping a safe distance and stomping your feet is usually enough to coax
the rattlesnake to sun in a new spot. In the case of a snakebite, do not panic!
Remove all rings, watches, and anything else in the area of the wound that may
restrict blood flow. Remain calm and call 911 immediately. If treated promptly,
rattlesnake bites are almost never fatal. You are more likely to be struck by
lightning than to be bit by a rattlesnake.
So
when on the trails, keep an eye out for this important part of the Puente Hills
ecosystem and watch your step!
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