A local resident had a terrifying close encounter with a big rattlesnake while hiking in Mission Trails Regional Park Thursday.
Dave Soko told NBC 7 he filmed the encounter during his hike to North Fortuna with his dog.
Soko said he noticed the rattlesnake when he heard the hiss.
NBC 7 reached out to the local Animal Control. Laurie Joniaux, Deputy Director said it's typical to see a lot of snakes during this time of the year due to the warmer weather.
Snakes are usually in hibernation during the winter months and come out looking for food.
They will typically slither into people's backyards looking for food but they can be typically found anywhere.
Joniaux explained that rattlesnakes will not strike, unless it's in self-defense. So, if you spot one, you should leave it alone, she added.
Local
Ed. Note: A previous version of this article stated the snake was spotted in Mission Hills. We have corrected the information and regret the error.
