A rattlesnake bit a woman in Santee Tuesday morning, officials confirmed.
The incident happened around 9:15 a.m. at Lairwood Drive and Shoredale Street. Heartland Fire officials said the victim was bit by a baby rattlesnake.
The woman was taken to a local hospital. Her condition is unknown.
Earlier this month a man was bit by a rattlesnake at the Ocean Beach dog beach on Voltaire Street.
Warmer weather is known to bring out more rattlesnakes. Last year, higher temperatures at the start of the year resulted in more than triple the number of rattlesnake calls to the County’s Department of Animal Services (DAS).
Typically, rattlesnakes wait until spring to come out of hibernation.
DAS recommends locals discourage the critters from making themselves at home in yards by getting rid of any possible shelter or food for rattlesnakes, including heaps of trash, wood piles, mice and rats.
Also, if you spot a rattlesnake on your property, calmly back away and leave it alone. Then, call DAS for assistance in safely removing the snake.
DAS also suggests being aware of your surroundings at all times if you are walking anywhere snakes might be, which means avoiding becoming distracted by your cell phone. If you’re walking your dog, keep it on a leash, that way you can pull your pet away quickly if you encounter a rattlesnake.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes while walking or hiking and stay on paths or trails, and avoid tall grass, weeds and brush where snakes might hide. Also, make sure you can always see the path ahead of you and look for snakes that might blend into the ground before picking up rocks or sticks.
